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Nearly $11 million in grant funding will be handed over to CFA brigades to purchase new equipment to help protect their communities.
The Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding was announced today, by the Minister for Emergency Services Jacyln Symes.
The announcement took place at the Harcourt Fire Station in conjunction with the official handover of the brigade’s new Medium Tanker.
Harcourt Captain Andrew Wilson said the Medium Tanker was funded from the 2019/20 VESEP funding and will help the local brigade boost their ability to protect lives and property.
“We are very grateful to everyone in the community who has helped fundraise for this new tanker that will help our brigade with the summer season ahead,” Mr Wilson said.
“The new vehicle can carry 2,350 litres of water, transport five people, and has four-wheel drive capability.”
The Harcourt Brigade fundraised $50,000 and the VESEP funding contribution was $320,000.
The VESEP funding announced today included a range of replacement vehicles for brigades including Wooriwyrite, Mooroolbark, Knox City, Emerald and Maude. Brigades in Eaglehawk, Kallista-The-Patch and Kyabram are among those receiving updated amenities.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” CO Heffernan said.
“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades like Harcourt have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.
“There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”
The full list of successful applicants has been published on the Emergency Management Victoria Website.