Under the Statewide Initiatives component of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding is allocated, in consultation with the VFBV, to assist brigades/groups by providing equipment and amenities.
These initiatives have included the replacement of old quick-fill pumps and generators; protective red fire blankets; development of a big fill trailer pump; cool climate jacket prototype; and provision for a volunteer listening set subsidy. They don't require a brigade contribution.
Toilet Program
Funding of $1.2 milion has been allocated to continue the toilet program, aimed at ensuring all brigades have access to toilet facilities.
A contract has recently been awarded to Quip Smart in Mordialloc for the construction, delivery and installation of 66 prefabricated standalone toilet/change room facilities.
The following brigades have been identified for the first phase of the rollout:
- Bealiba
- Beauchamp
- Boorhaman
- Bowman - Murungee
- Branjee
- Campbells Creek
- Chesney Vale
- Colinabbin
- Granya
- Greta
- Laen East
- Litchfield
It's anticipated that the current program will see all 66 units delivered and installed by the end of June 2015.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Funding of $250,000 has been allocated to provide additional thermal imaging cameras to enhance safety, efficiency and effectiveness for a broad range of fires and incidents.
This initiative supported the acquisition of 21 Draeger UCF 9000 cameras, providing a minimum of one camera for each local government area plus a spare capacity to support maintenance and repairs.
Cameras were distributed to the following locations:
- Alexandra
- Beaufort
- Bright
- Camperdown
- Cobram
- Cohuna
- Corryong
- Daylesford
- Dunkeld
- Edenhope
- Hawkesdale
- Inglewood
- Lara
- Mansfield
- Melton
- Orbost
- Sale
- Stawell
- Torquay
- Wycheproof
This initiative is likely to be continued under the 2015 VESEP program.
Author: Diane Frost