Media Release

NEW EQUIPMENT For WEST GIPPSLAND EMERGENCY VOLUNTEERS

Wednesday, 7th November 2018

Emergency services volunteers in West Gippsland will share in more than $13.3 million in grants for life-saving equipment, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today announced the following grant recipients:

Agency Organisation Name Category Project description  VESEP grant contribution
(ex. GST) 		 Local co-contribution
(ex. GST) 		Total Project Cost
(ex. GST)
CFA Hallora & District Minor Facilities Storage Shed  $        53,333.00  $   26,667.00 $80,000.00
CFA Moe South Vehicles & Appliances Ultra Light Tanker  $      118,500.00  $   21,500.00 $140,000.00
CFA Thorpdale Vehicles & Appliances Ultra Light Tanker  $      118,500.00  $   21,500.00 $140,000.00
CFA Trafalgar Minor Facilities Extension  $        30,000.00  $   15,000.00 $45,000.00
CFA Yarragon Minor Facilities Motor Room Door  $        20,000.00  $   10,000.00 $30,000.00
VIC SES Warragul Crew Cab (Replacement) Ford Ranger  $        53,739.00  $   26,870.00 $80,609.00
Other Mt Baw Baw Ski Patrol Inc Operational Equipment Rescue and training equipment.  $              884.00  $         442.00 $1,326.00

They are among 230 new grants for emergency service volunteer brigades and units around the state, as part of the 2018-19 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

The program funds operational equipment in addition to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility upgrades.

Under the VESEP, the Labor Government matches every dollar paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution – this year increasing the maximum contribution from $100,000 to $150,000.

Contributions this year include:

  • almost $9.8 million for volunteer Country Fire Authority brigades
  • more than $2.1 million for State Emergency Service units
  • more than $315,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
  • almost $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs
  • almost $340,000 for other volunteer agencies.

For more information about the VESEP, visit the Emergency Management Victoria website at emv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Volunteers are at the heart of our emergency services and this grant will ensure the West Gippsland area has the modern equipment they need to keep the local community safe.”

“Our emergency services volunteers are often the first line of defence during fires, floods, storms and water emergencies. We thank them and value the hard yards they put in to keep their communities safe.”