The Victorian Liberals and Nationals is calling on the government to fully support SES volunteers and local communities as the clean-up from recent high winds continues.
On Monday, September 2, extreme wind gusts of up to 146km/h resulted in damage across the state with more than 180,000 homes reporting power outages and 4300 emergency calls for fallen trees, damage to property and other disruptions.
As the clean-up continues and with the prospect of more extreme weather over coming weeks, Victoria’s SES volunteers must be fully supported by the Victorian Government, the opposition said.
The opposition said no volunteer should be left out of pocket and expected to bear the costs of cleaning up their local community and the Victorian Government must step up and ensure operational costs were fully funded.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland praised SES volunteers for their unwavering commitment to community safety, even as they grappled with insufficient funding support.
“In the past year leading up to this most recent weather event, SES volunteers responded to over 33,000 requests for assistance; however, their annual funding covers less than half of their operating expenses,” she said.
“Seymour SES, despite going through two significant floods in 18 months, was left short-changed in their funding subsidy, leaving them rattling tins to raise funds.
“The Benalla SES, led by unit controller Ailsa McMillan, doubled its average yearly call-outs this year with more than 500 requests for assistance.
“Kilmore SES unit controller John Koutras earlier this year said his unit had already responded to 35 serious road crash accidents out of their 250 call-outs this year, including 11 fatalities.
“The dedicated volunteers of our SES are crucial for our regional communities, and it is imperative that they receive funding that allows them to continue delivering their essential service.”
The Victorian Government has been contacted for comment.