News

Emergency Services Grants and awards | April 05, 2016

Money available for emergency services equipment

Emergency service groups that provide lifesaving and front line protection to the local community are encouraged to apply for their share of $12.8 million to purchase new equipment, vehicles and tools.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP said the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) offered grants of up to $100,000 for emergency services to buy equipment that enables them to better respond to fires, road and marine rescues, storms and floods.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our emergency response and generously give their time responding to needs of others in times of emergency,” Ms Kealy said.

“This VESEP provides funding on a $2 for $1 basis, which means that groups only have to put in for a third of the cost of equipment, which is much easier than selling snags and raffle tickets to cover the full cost of items,” she said.

Ms Kealy said the types of equipment that could be purchased with the funding included tankers, trailers, chainsaws, generators, watercraft, rescue trucks and safety equipment. In addition, facility upgrades at stations or clubhouse will also be funded.

Applications are open to the following organisations:

• Country Fire Authority (CFA);
• State Emergency Service (SES);l
• Life Saving Victoria (LSV); and
• The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA).

“I strongly encourage all eligible groups to apply for funding under this program, which will greatly assist our volunteer organisations and provide them with the tools and equipment they need to carry out their roles safely and efficiently,” Ms Kealy said.