Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Ministers statements: Country Fire Authority funding

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:39): I would like to update the house today, Wednesday, on how the Allan Labor government continues to deliver for our firefighters, and today’s information is in particular relating to the CFA. I have made two significant announcements in the last couple of weeks. Firstly, I was in Ballarat with the amazingly hardworking member for Wendouree to announce that local business SEM Fire and Rescue will build 25 new CFA pumpers that will begin rolling off the assembly line next year. This significant upgrade received $18.6 million of funding in the budget along with another almost $10 million from CFA’s base capital funding allocation. The pumpers can seat five crew members and can pump 4000 litres of water every minute. The brigades that will receive the first 10 pumpers – which will be of interest to members in the chamber because they cover a variety of locations across Victoria – are Wendouree, Sebastopol, Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk, Narre Warren, Rochester, Emerald, Benalla, Bairnsdale and Lorne.

Last week I also had the pleasure of joining local members Mr Galea and Mr Tarlamis at the CFA State Logistics Centre in Scoresby, along with Upper Beaconsfield brigade captain –

Nick McGowan interjected.

Jaclyn SYMES: I am a big fan of Mr Wells, and I am sure he is very proud of the CFA State Logistics Centre, which is in his electorate. The local Beaconsfield brigade captain Ian Pinney joined me, along with third lieutenant Clint Patzack, to announce that every ultralight tanker in the fleet or similar vehicle will be retrofitted or replaced to ensure that they have crew protection to provide shelter in the event of a burnover.

This represents upgrades to 246 existing vehicles and 33 new ones. I cannot understate the significance of this investment. It is so important for safety. I saw firsthand the incredible cutting-edge technology – it is minimal water, foam solution – that is deployed in the event of a burnover situation, saving lives. I want to commend the CFA – (Time expired)