Bright State Emergency Service (SES) will receive a brand new 4WD Vehicle in the latest round of the Brumby Labor Government’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP) grants, Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad, announced today.
Ms Broad said Bright SES would contribute $7,955 to secure the new 4WD Vehicle with the CSESP grant kicking in the remaining $15,909.
“Bright SES has a proud tradition of protecting the local community and I am sure this new vehicle will help volunteers as they carry out their important work,” Ms Broad said.
“Bright SES is a great example of the CSESP in action, and underlines the strength of this partnership between communities, volunteers, emergency services agencies and the Brumby Labor Government.
“Last year there was unprecedented demand through this funding program and the Government has responded by doubling the funding available to more than $6.8 million for 2010, allowing local brigades to receive funding for extra emergency equipment.
“This year, we have seen grants for VICSES units to buy extra equipment, such as replacement trucks and vehicles, lighting trailers, and facility upgrades.”
The grant is part of more than $1 million going to VICSES Units across the state, helping 24 units secure more than $2.1 million in additional equipment.
To date, VICSES units have received 312 grants worth more than $8.5 million through the CSESP, enabling the purchase of almost $15 million in equipment, assets and facility upgrades.
“These grants are in addition to this year’s emergency services budget aimed at ensuring Victorian communities are better prepared to address future emergencies,” Ms Broad said.
“Since 2001, more than $30 million in grants has been delivered through the CSESP, directly assisting Victoria’s emergency services volunteers purchase almost $65 million in emergency equipment to protect their local communities.”
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government was proud to support Victoria’s emergency services.
She said the 2010/11 State Budget announced a range of measures aimed at further strengthening the state’s emergency response.
“The State Budget gave Victoria’s emergency services a $136.6 million injection and cemented the Government’s commitment to providing our emergency services volunteers with the resources they need,” Ms Broad said.
“This commitment included $11.6 million for VICSES to purchase rescue vehicles, road-accident rescue kits and additional pagers.”
The CSESP is a Victorian Government initiative funded through the Community Support Fund.