Less than half of a new fleet of 48 heavy fire tankers have still not been delivered, months after they were due to be provided to local CFA brigades.
The Member for Northern Victoria Region Gaelle Broad raised concerns about the missing tankers in Parliament, saying the State government must explain what has happened to the vehicles.
“For many CFA brigades across northern Victoria, the age, suitability and safety of their vehicles is one of their biggest concerns,” Ms Broad said.
“Documents made public last year revealed that 193 vehicles in the CFA’s fleet are over 30 years old and 429 are more than 25 years old.
“In June 2020 the Labor government committed to delivering a new fleet of 48 heavy tankers to replace ageing single-cab tankers by late 2023. To date less than half of these new tankers have been delivered.
“As natural disasters become more frequent, we cannot afford to go slow. In 2022 the government collected $800 million from the fees Victorians pay to the fire services property levy, but according to the state budget papers only $7.6 million was to be spent on new asset infrastructure.”
Ms Broad said CFA volunteers invested so much in their local communities and were grateful for the public investment in the heavy tankers but needed to see them on the ground.
“I have seen firsthand the commitment of local CFA volunteers. Last year I attended the handover a new fire tanker at the Sedgwick CFA and Captain Brendan Drechsler summed up the appreciation felt by the entire community.”
Ms Broad said a new heavy tanker was officially presented to the Tatura fire brigade ahead of the regional sitting of Parliament in Echuca.
“This was timely for the government in the lead up to the Echuca regional sitting, but we need them to explain when the much-needed remaining tankers will be handed over to all CFA brigades that have been promised them.
“The Government must prioritise the CFA in the upcoming State Budget.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
