New heavy tanker officially handed over to Tatura volunteers

Tatura volunteers with Minister

Tatura Fire Brigade has a new heavy tanker to help boost the brigade’s ability to serve the community.

The heavy tanker was officially handed to the brigade by Emergency Services Minister Jacylyn Symes at the station today.

Tatura Captain Peter Bevan said new safety features like the crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection was a huge benefit to members.

“Members can now ride more comfortably in the caband we have 1,000 extra litres of water to fight fires,” Peter said.

He said the brigade felt very well equipped to protect the community with a new tanker and new station.

“We also have neighbouring brigades doing training with us too which is great to see,” Peter said.

The new heavy tanker replaces Tatura brigade’s Hino 3.2 medium tanker.

The new vehicle was funded through the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding package and is one of 48 new tankers being rolled out to CFA fire brigades across Victoria to ensure volunteer firefighters are well-equipped to protect their communities.

More than 20 brigades have already received a heavy tanker under this program, including Mansfield, Seymour, Seville, Wangaratta, and Shepparton in the North East Region.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said tankers are a vital part of CFA’s fleet.

“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Jason said.

“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”

Tatura Fire Brigade was formed in 1894 and had a new station built in 2021.