A new $190,000 light tanker will support Orbost CFA going into the 2015-16 summer fire season.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, representing the Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett, officially presented the light tanker to the brigade today.

The addition of the new light tanker to the brigade’s heavy tanker and forward command vehicle means that members will be better able to respond better to off-road emergencies.

This is particularly useful given the high number of incidents the brigade attends that require a rural land and mountain responses.

Orbost CFA has 20 active members and attends around 60 incidents a year.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Andrews Government is proud to support the work done by almost 60,000 CFA volunteers around the State, and we recognise the enormous sacrifices they make in keeping our communities as safe as possible.”

“Orbost CFA plays an essential role in East Gippsland’s emergency response and also supports a range of community safety initiatives.”

“With this new tanker, members will be better resourced to continue their important work in protecting members of the local community, property and livestock, and responding to a wide variety of call-outs.”