From L-R: Firefighter Tom Winkles, former Captain Nev Jones, Firefighter Megan McDonald, Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh, 1st Lt Justin Newson, Firefighter Geoff Goding, ACFO Sean Kerr
Moorooduc Fire Brigade has welcomed two new tankers which will significantly boost the brigade's ability to serve the local community.
The heavy and ultra-heavy tankers were officially handed over to brigade members by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh at Moorooduc Fire Station today (August 6).
Captain of the Moorooduc Fire Brigade Alex Jones said both tankers would greatly benefit his brigade, especially the ultra-heavy tanker, which holds 10,000 litres of water, more than some of our aerial bombing fleet.
"We don't have any reticulated water in our patch, so water is everything to us; having those 10,000 litres on board makes a huge difference," Alex said.
"It means we have that extra water capacity, be on the fire ground longer and reduce the times we have to go away and refill.
"We've already been to a couple of fires where we would normally call for extra tankers, instead we have been able to use the ultra-heavy tankers extra water to great effect.
"We've received two new trucks, so we're pretty lucky."
The heavy tanker is one of 48 rolling out to brigades across the state included in a $22.7 million investment from the Victorian Government, part of the State Government's Fire Services Reform.
The ultra-heavy tanker, meanwhile, is part of an additional $12.8 million Victorian Government rollout of 29 ultra-heavy tankers.
Alex added that the new additions will also provide support to neighbouring brigades.
"Because Moorooduc is centrally located, we support a lot of other brigades across the Mornington Peninsula.
"I think it's going to be a valuable vehicle that'll get used broadly.”
For more than 80 years, the Moorooduc brigade has served the local community, responding to around 130 callouts annually.
"We're very thankful to get these new trucks and look forward to further protecting our local community," Alex said.