CFA volunteers across Lowan will benefit from a major investment in new fire trucks, upgraded stations and volunteer recruitment under a Liberal and Nationals Government, as part of a comprehensive plan to better protect regional communities from bushfires.
The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the $200 million statewide commitment would deliver 335 new CFA trucks over five years, 17 new and upgraded stations, and a recruitment drive targeting 10,000 additional volunteers over the next decade.
“Our CFA volunteers are the backbone of bushfire protection across the Wimmera, Mallee, Grampians and western district, but too many are being asked to protect our communities with ageing trucks and inadequate facilities,” Ms Kealy said.
“After 12 years of a Labor government, 57 per cent of CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria trucks are at least 15 years old, while CFA operational volunteer numbers have fallen by 26 per cent over the past decade.
“That is simply not good enough, particularly in communities where volunteers are our first line of defence.”
Ms Kealy said the announcement built on The Nationals’ recent commitment to construct a new fire station for the Henty Rural Fire Brigade, near Casterton.
“Henty’s volunteers have been fighting for a new station since 2012. Their tanker dates back to 1994 and has travelled more than 90,000 kilometres, but the existing shed is too small to accommodate a modern replacement,” she said.
“The Nationals have committed to fixing that problem and giving these dedicated volunteers the facilities they deserve.”
The $200 million commitment also follows last week’s announcement that a Liberal and Nationals Government will double planned fuel reduction burning, work towards the Bushfire Royal Commission’s five per cent target, restore strategic firebreaks, and improve forest management.
“Communities around the Grampians, Little Desert and across western Victoria know the devastating consequences of bushfires,” Ms Kealy said.
“Labor has allowed fuel reduction to fall to less than one per cent of public land. We need to do much more to prevent fires, as well as properly equip the volunteers who fight them.
“The Nationals have a practical plan to reduce bushfire risk, modernise our firefighting fleet, recruit more volunteers and scrap Labor’s unfair emergency services tax.
“Our CFA volunteers deserve the best possible support, and regional Victorians deserve their fair share of investment to keep our communities safe.”