Premier

The best tools for our state’s heroes

02 May 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is helping to keep Victoria safe, with extra support for the men and women who serve our state during an emergency.

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 will invest $112.6 million to upgrade facilities and invest in new equipment and training for emergency services across the state.

The Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) will receive $34.3 million for new trucks, boats and trailers and to modernise their buildings, including $2.8 million each for the Chelsea and Broadmeadows depots.

Also included is the establishment of new units in Caroline Springs/Plumpton, Clyde, Craigieburn North, Cranbourne, Officer and Point Cook.

In a significant reform, $14.9 million will cover the costs of SES units located on council land with long-term leases, giving them more certainty about their future.

Life Saving Victoria will receive additional support, with $6 million in funding to redevelop and maintain their clubhouses. This includes funding for the redevelopment of clubhouses at Brighton, Jan Juc and Point Lonsdale.

The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA), which receives one call every thirteen seconds, will also receive a boost with $42.8 million to make sure that Victorians get the right help when they need it.

The Labor Government is investing a further $12.4 million to improve coverage of the emergency service radio, particularly important in large public areas that host big events like the MCG.

The Budget also delivers $17.1 million over four years to establish and maintain an improved national emergency alert system. This will ensure the new system will be in place when the current system expires in June 2018.

This builds on investments we have already made to support emergency services this year, including a $35 million boost to CFA and other emergency services volunteers in the Budget Update.

This funded 28 firefighting trucks for CFA volunteer brigades, as well as work wear and protective clothing for thousands of volunteer firefighters.

It also included the Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants Program, a new initiative that is delivering new equipment, facility upgrades, and training to hundreds of volunteer groups across Victoria.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino

“We are making sure our state’s heroes have the tools they need to keep Victorians safe.”

“From new buildings to new trucks, this funding will help the men and women who help us – often in the worst of times.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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