Friday, 1 April 2016

The Andrews Labor Government is urging volunteer emergency services groups in Gippsland to share in $12.8 million in funding by applying for equipment grants.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing announced applications have opened for the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

Ms Shing said the grants program would help local volunteer groups in Gippsland to boost their resources.

VESEP offers grants up to a maximum of $100,000 for emergency service volunteer groups to assist them when responding to emergencies such as fires, floods, heatwaves, storms, water rescues or related incidents.

The grants are used to purchase additional operational equipment, vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers and to support minor facility improvements.

The Andrews Labor Government will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer groups.

The program is open to:

• Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
• Country Fire Authority
• Life Saving Victoria
• Victoria State Emergency Service
• Other eligible volunteer emergency services groups as defined in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria

The Andrews Labor Government’s $12.8 million towards the program is almost $300,000 more than the previous year.

For further information on the program, visit www.emv.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“We are proud to be supporting our emergency service volunteers who are committed to keeping our community safe.”

“I encourage all eligible volunteer groups in Gippsland to apply for these important grants which help purchase life-saving equipment and fund minor upgrades.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett:

“Our emergency service volunteers are the backbone of our communities. We rely on them to protect us from fires, floods, storms and water emergencies.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting our emergency service volunteers by providing access to  funds for vital equipment so they can carry out their roles safely and efficiently.”