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Local brigades celebrate funding success

26 March 2021

Eight CFA brigades across the Euroa electorate will receive funding under the latest round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan said it was important local emergency services were supported, particularly following the huge effort many put in over the Black Summer bushfires.

“These grants help brigades – many of whom do an extraordinary amount of their own fundraising – to purchase critical operational equipment and appliances to protect our local communities,” Ms Ryan said.

“Eight local brigades will receive a share of more than $700,000 of funding for vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements that will ensure their betterment of future firefighting capabilities.”

Ms Ryan said successful CFA brigades included:

• Avenel: $41,094 towards a new field command vehicle
• Boho: $1,573 towards a new laptop, drill, angle grinder and TV
• Knowsley: $767 towards a new laptop, bag and printer
• Longwood: $48,000 towards meeting room works and a new toilet area
• Molyullah: $120,833 towards a new ultra-light tanker
• Nagambie: $8,967 towards a new electric gate
• Rushworth: $321,667 towards a new medium tanker
• Strathbogie: $193,333 towards a new light tanker

The Seymour SES unit has also received $60,604 to assist with purchasing a new vehicle.

Ms Ryan said while it was wonderful to see brigades including Strathbogie earmarked to receive a new light tanker, urgent funding was still needed to upgrade the existing station.

“Strathbogie’s fire station is no longer viable for the brigade. With such little storage, the brigade has no option but to store their ultralight tanker at a neighbour’s property.

“The Andrews Labor Government must act immediately and find a new home for the brigade to ensure that any additional tankers can be safely stored and that future firefighting capabilities aren’t compromised.”