Ageing fire tankers are being shunted between northern Victorian towns in a move than has left many CFA brigades feeling like poor country cousins receiving hand-me-downs.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad raised the issue in Parliament, saying it had affected brigades from Bendigo to Beechworth and beyond.
Ms Broad told Parliament that Beechworth’s so-called ‘new’ tanker was 34 years old.
“Beechworth also has a pumper which is 20 years old. Residents believe this is inadequate for a town that can face extreme fire risk in summer,” Ms Broad said.
“Beechworth’s new tanker came from Wooragee. In turn the Wooragee CFA received one from Browns Plains, in what one resident described as a cascade of trucks.”
Ms Broad said the Bendigo fire brigade was facing similar challenges.
“They received notice that their heavy tanker will be replaced with a smaller, medium tanker. The brigade has written to the CFA to point out that other integrated brigades have had their 3.4C heavy tanker upgraded. Instead they have been advised that their tanker is being replaced with an inferior appliance. This is to take place in December, the beginning of summer, which is a challenging time for all brigades.
“The brigade is concerned that the community would be at a major disadvantage if they receive the inferior tanker, which has reduced water and pumping capacity. The Bendigo brigade wish to retain their existing heavy tanker until an equivalent replacement tanker can be provided.
“If the replacement goes ahead, it will be a big step backwards for the brigade in their important role protecting life and property across the City of Greater Bendigo.”
Ms Broad said many locals questioned whether they are getting value for money from the fire services levy when they also have to fundraise for the equipment that goes on the trucks.
“In Beechworth, more than $10,000 of brigade equipment has been added using funds raised by the community. I commend the town on this extraordinary effort, but as one resident pointed out, that is a lot of sausages to sell at Bunnings.
“Recent media reports have noted that some farmers are being slugged at least twice as much as last year to fund the state’s fire services. One family’s bill went from $384 to $900 on just one of several blocks that they own.
The increase to the fire services levy will result in another $186 million in the state government’s coffers. The purpose of the levy is to help fund Victoria’s fire and emergency services, but the money does not appear to be getting to the volunteer brigades on the ground who are protecting our regional communities.
“I have asked the Minister for Emergency Services to outline how the fire services levy funds are allocated to each of the emergency services, to provide an update on the rollout of new heavy tankers and equipment and to give assurances to the Bendigo brigade that their ageing heavy tanker will be retained and upgraded.
“Labor cannot manage money and cannot manage to support our vital fire brigades.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
