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Record Forest Firefighters To Keep Victoria Safe

01 August 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is recruiting 300 project firefighters for summer and 49 new permanent forest and fire operations officers to help keep Victorians safe in the upcoming fire season.

This fire season Forest Fire Management Victoria will have more than 1,000 frontline forest firefighters, supported by a further 2,000 staff from across the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and VicForests who have a fire role in addition to their normal duties.

The project firefighters respond to bushfires, support seasonal planned burning preparation and delivery, undertake roadside vegetation and fire trail maintenance.

The permanent forest fire management staff undertake field roles across regional Victoria and perform critical roles in fighting fires and responding to other emergencies.

They also take part in the preparation and community engagement for planned burning, along with pest and weed control, and road maintenance.

These jobs will be based at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planningand Parks Victoria offices and depots in regional Victoria.

A number of positions have been identified for Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People, reflecting a strong commitment for a diverse workforce that reflects the Victorian community.

To find out more visit www.ffm.vic.gov.auExternal Link or call 136 186.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“By the start of the upcoming fire season we will have more permanent forest fire fighters than ever before, using the world’s best Victorian-built equipment to keep our state safe.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino

“Employing additional forest firefighters not only helps to keep Victorians safe, it also creates jobs in our communities.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Fire Officer Stephanie Rotarangi

“These new roles will help deliver Safer Together and ensure our prevention programs work with regional communities to deliver the best results.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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