Emergency service workers and volunteers on the frontline have received more support from the Allan Labor Government in this year’s budget.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 will provide $18.6 million to deliver 15 world-class replacement Next Generation pumpers for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and $15.4 million for five Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) pumper platforms.
This brings the Labor Government’s total investment in new fire services vehicles to more than $100 million since 2018 – with 29 new ultra heavy tankers, 48 heavy tankers, and two light tankers for the CFA, and 22 new trucks and support vehicles currently on the way for FRV.
Labor Member for Northern Victorian Jaclyn Symes says supporting frontline workers is a priority in this budget.
The Next Generation Pumper is a medium-sized vehicle designed for domestic structural firefighting and has a design that allows firefighters to start putting fires out at the scene faster while improving safety for crews.
A key feature of the vehicles is the integrated breathing apparatus located in the vehicles’ seats which will enable firefighters to arrive at a scene with equipment already on so they can begin responding immediately.
There is also a protected stowage area for soiled equipment which will allow for a clean vehicle cabin and help reduce contamination to firefighters like unnecessary smoke inhalation from burnt equipment.
MP Symes says local communities will see the new trucks on the roads soon.
This announcement comes despite the delay in the rollout of new CFA tankers that were due across the region.
MP Symes says the recent announcement will not disrupt the rollout of that fleet.
The five pumper platforms for FRV will deliver vehicles with aerial capability of up to 25 metres – up from 16 metres with previous models. These units can transport five firefighters and can provide water and foam suppression, road accident rescue support, and emergency medical response.
With the pumper platforms, firefighter safety is significantly improved through the ability to operate the aerial component remotely with visual and thermal imaging capabilities.
