Labor is equipping VICSES volunteers with new technology and equipment to respond faster when storms and floods hit.
Minister Edbrooke visited the Emerald Unit to thank volunteers and urge Victorians to get storm ready as the higher-risk season begins.
Labor is backing volunteers with $7.2 million for:
- Two portable cell service towers to boost communications during emergencies
- 15 Starlink kits and five portable kits to strengthen communications in vehicles and blackspots
- Five Bobcat units to rapidly clear fallen trees from roads
- Two trucks fitted with swift water rescue pods to support dangerous flood rescues
- Additional dry suits and waders positioned around the state based on weather intelligence.
This builds on the biggest-ever Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program with $31 million available for crews across Victoria - including $100,000 for a new truck for Emerald.
Labor is also backing VICSES' Are You Storm Ready campaign to help Victorians understand how to prepare.
Being storm ready means clearing gutters, trimming branches and securing loose outdoor items.
When severe weather is forecast, Victorians should avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through floodwater.
VICSES are among the first to respond when disaster strikes with the Emerald Unit alone responding to 930 requests during the last storm season.
Emerald is one of 16 brand-new units that Labor has delivered - while the former Liberal Government failed to deliver a single one.
Labor has also doubled investment in emergency services - investing more than $2.4 billion this year.
The alternative is Jess Wilson's Liberal-One Nation Coalition who are promising $40 billion in cuts.
That only means one thing: slashing VICSES' Budget and cutting the frontline emergency services that keep Victorians safe.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Paul Edbrooke
"Labor is backing VICSES volunteers with the equipment and resources to keep us safe. A Liberal-One Nation Coalition will cut funding to VICSES and put Victorians at risk."
"Every Victorian can take simple steps now to protect their home, their family and our amazing first responders when emergencies strike."
As stated by Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino
"Our VICSES volunteers do extraordinary work, and we're proud to back them with the equipment and support they need to keep our community safe for years to come."
