Every day our emergency service workers and volunteers are on the frontline, protecting Victorians from fires, floods and other incidents and the Victorian Government is making sure they have the equipment they need to do their job.
The Victorian Budget 2024-25 will provide $18.6 million to deliver 15 world-class replacement Next Generation pumpers for the CFA and $15.4 million for five Fire Rescue Victoria pumper platforms.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes last week announced Rochester CFA would receive a Next Generation pumper
This brings the state government’s total investment in new fire services vehicles to more than $100 million since 2018, with 29 new ultra heavy tankers, 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers for the CFA and 22 new trucks and support vehicles currently on the way for FRV.
Investing in modern equipment improves tactical efficiency for firefighters, helping them minimise damage to life, property and themselves.
The Next Generation pumper is a medium-sized vehicle designed for domestic structural firefighting. It allows firefighters to start putting fires out at the scene faster while improving safety for crews.
A key feature of the vehicles is the integrated breathing apparatus in the vehicles’ seats which will enable firefighters to arrive at a scene with equipment already on so they can begin responding immediately.
There is also a protected stowage area for soiled equipment which will allow for a clean vehicle cabin and help reduce contamination to firefighters like unnecessary smoke inhalation from burnt equipment.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and these new world-class pumpers will provide better safety for both communities and firefighters,” Ms Symes said.
“We continue to deliver record funding for our fire services to ensure they have what they need to respond quickly to emergencies while also attracting more people to join their local brigade.”
The five pumper platforms for FRV will deliver vehicles with aerial capability of up to 25m, up from 16m with previous models. These units can transport five firefighters and can provide water and foam suppression, road accident rescue support and emergency medical response.
With the pumper platforms, firefighter safety is significantly improved through the ability to operate the aerial component remotely with visual and thermal imaging capabilities.
Locations of the pumpers and pumper platforms will be confirmed following consultation with the CFA and FRV.