More than 50 new water tanks are in the pipeline for construction under an initiative to improve emergency response to regional bushfires and support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A second round of the State Government’s $2 million program will be rolled out over the coming months, with 31 local governments receiving a total of $1.2 million through grants to purchase and install 56 new water tanks for Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades.
The latest funding round brings the total number of water tanks delivered under the program to 117. This will provide an extra 8.5 million litres of water storage at regional Bush Fire Brigade stations and strategic locations across the State.
The investment targets high risk areas either located outside of a townsite or brigades without current storage facilities at their station, reducing the time volunteer firefighters spend on refilling firefighting trucks.
The funding is part of the State Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, of which $15 million was set aside for emergency services initiatives such as improving infrastructure and building new facilities.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
“When bushfires threaten regional communities, Bush Fire Brigades are usually first on the scene and the State Government is committed to supporting them.
“Having faster access to water reduces the amount of time volunteer firefighters need to refill their vehicles, and during an emergency every minute counts.
“This two-year construction program has also supported regional communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with local tradespeople contracted to build and install water tanks.
“I thank the local government sector for their support in rolling out the water tanks, which will support volunteers for many bushfire seasons to come.”
