A new heavy-rescue truck to help Sunbury VICSES volunteers respond to road accidents and the keys to a $120,000 ultra light tanker for Wildwood CFA in Sunbury were today handed over by Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron and Member for Macedon Joanne Duncan.
Mr Cameron said the new vehicles were part of the Brumby Labor Government’s ongoing action to support emergency services and the work they do to help keep communities safe in times of need.
“Last year our Government allocated $10.3 million for the purchase of 42 light tankers for CFA brigades across the state and Sunbury’s new tanker is better equipped for dealing with minor structure fire attack,” Mr Cameron said.
“It uses a Class A foam system, which is a great water and time saving device and the built-in-safety features will help ensure Wildwood CFA members are better protected while looking after their community during times of emergency.”
Ms Duncan thanked the Wildwood CFA brigade for their efforts as part of the Region 14 strike team that helped fight the Black Saturday Kinglake fires and said the additional heavy-rescue truck for Sunbury’s VICSES would further boost emergency response capacity in the area.
“Local agencies are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services and the Brumby Labor Government recognises the role emergency services volunteers play in protecting and helping Victorians,” Ms Duncan said.
“This vehicle will boost Sunbury VICSES unit’s presence in the region and allow members to assist other units in their work.
“I’d like to thank the Wildwood CFA and the Sunbury VICSES staff and volunteers for their hard work, commitment and dedication to making our community a better and safer place.”
Wildwood CFA attend around 60 call-outs per year and Sunbury VICSES has 50 volunteer members who primarily respond to road accidents and calls for assistance to help clean up storm damage.
Mr Cameron said this year’s State Budget delivered a major boost to emergency services, with a $136.6 million injection and cementing the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to providing emergency services volunteers with the resources they need.