Brigades are set to receive more than $20 million in funding to help them purchase equipment, and vehicles to better support their communities.
This year’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) round will provide CFA with $23,170,139 to support more than 160 projects across the state.
The funding will support a range of projects across CFA, helping volunteers access the equipment, vehicles and facility improvements they need.
CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM said the announcement was a significant boost for volunteers and brigades across the state.
“VESEP continues to play a critical role in helping our brigades access the equipment, vehicles and facility improvements they need to support their communities, ” Garry said.
“Our volunteers dedicate countless hours to training, community education and emergency response, and this funding helps ensure they have the resources required to carry out that work safely and effectively.”
CFA received $13.26 million for vehicles and appliances, $5.96 million was for facility improvements, $341,858 for operational equipment, and $18,872 was for volunteer amenities.
Almost 30 tankers will be delivered as a part of this year’s funding, along with 25 Field Command Vehicles, and equipment such as quick fill trailers and thermal imaging cameras.
VESEP is a co-contribution grant program that enables volunteer emergency service organisations to partner with the Victorian Government to fund essential operational equipment, vehicles and facility upgrades.
The program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade thanks to the brigades’ fundraising efforts and generosity of their local communities.
