NEW FIREFIGHTING TANKERS FOR MACEDON BRIGADES
Three Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades in the Macedon Ranges are now home to new firefighting tankers, enhancing firefighting capabilities and increasing the safety of volunteers.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today joined volunteers from the Springfield, Bullengarook and Lancefield fire brigades in Lancefield to officially handover the tankers.
Lancefield Fire Brigade received a new heavy tanker as part of a broader rollout of 48 heavy tankers and two ultra-light tankers, thanks to a $22.7 million investment from the Allan Labor Government.
The heavy tanker is equipped with modern features to increase safety and reduce firefighter fatigue, including crew protection systems, electronic monitors and electronic rewind hose reels.
It has a 4000 litre water tank and better rollover and burnover protection to prioritise the safety of volunteer firefighters. Additionally, the heavy tanker is built with more recyclable materials making it better for the environment.
Springfield and Bullengarook fire brigades received medium tankers purchased using grant funding from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), valued at $370,000 each.
The 2024-25 round of VESEP grants is currently open for applications until 14 June 2024.
The medium tankers can carry 2000 litres of water to suppress fires, and 650 litres to protect the crew and vehicle, and are spacious enough to carry a crew of five firefighters inside.
The tankers are important assets to the brigades, replacing older tankers set for retirement.
The three brigades receiving tankers are supported by 72 operational members who respond to around 148 incidents each year. The brigades are part of CFA District 2, which consists of 76 brigades, with 3441 volunteers in total.
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“Our volunteer firefighters go above and beyond to protect our communities. These new tankers will help keep them safe while they perform their critical work.”
“The Lancefield, Springfield and Bullengarook fire brigades are part of the fabric of the Macedon community, and I’m pleased to see these deserving brigades receive new tankers to continue their efforts.”
