Victoria’s volunteer emergency services are encouraged to apply for more than $6 million in funding after the Brumby Labor Government doubled Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP) grants, Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said today.
Ms Broad today invited volunteer emergency services groups to apply for $6.8 million in CSESP – more than double the amount available last year.
“Northern Victoria’s volunteer emergency services groups have done a fantastic job in another challenging year, and this funding boost pays tribute to their efforts,” Ms Broad said.
“Since 2000, the CSESP has delivered $24 million in grants directly assisting Victoria’s emergency services volunteers purchase $52.7 million in extra emergency equipment.”
“This year’s round of CSESP funding will allow local groups to buy extra equipment ranging from light, medium and heavy tankers, lighting trailers, search and rescue equipment, as well as updating existing equipment and improving facilities,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government is committed to ensuring Victoria’s emergency services are well resourced.
“Volunteer groups are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services and the Brumby Labor Government is committed to making sure they have the resources they need,”she said.
“This new round of CSESP funding complements local fundraising, and is in addition to new equipment provided in our record emergency services budget commitment.”
CSESP information packs are currently being distributed to Country Fire Authority (CFA), State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and other eligible volunteer emergency services groups. The CSESP brochure is already available on the Department of Justice’s website.
The CSESP is a Brumby Labor Government initiative funded through the Community Support Fund and provides eligible volunteer emergency services groups with funds towards the purchase of emergency equipment and assets to add to their existing infrastructure.
Applications for this round close on 1 April 2010.