Seven Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades in Western Victoria are now home to new heavy tankers ahead of the upcoming fire season as part of a $3.2 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today visited the Buninyong Fire Brigade to officially handover the heavy tankers and to thank volunteers for their ongoing service to their communities.

The heavy tankers have recently been delivered to Ballan, Buninyong-Mount Helen, Creswick, Daylesford, Miners Rest, Napoleon-Enfield and Wendouree brigades.

The heavy tankers include features that make it easier for firefighters to do their work for longer. These include a front water cannon that can be operated from the cabin instead of having to be manually controlled, more cabin space so firefighters don’t have to sit in the back exposed to the elements, and an electronic hose reel.

The vehicles also feature a higher percentage of recyclable materials, a 4000-litre water tank and better crew and vehicle roll over and burn-over protection to ensure firefighter safety.

CFA District 15 consists of 62 brigades made up of more than 5,600 volunteers. The seven brigades receiving the heavy tankers are supported by 471 volunteers, and have responded to almost 570 incidents since the beginning of the year.

The heavy tankers will also be boosted by the support provided from Ballarat City Fire Brigade’s new ultra heavy tanker, part of a fleet of 29 ultra heavy tankers to be rolled out across regional Victoria as part of a $12.8 million Labor Government investment.

The ultra heavy tankers are a new type of vehicle that will significantly boost CFA’s firefighting capability in remote rural areas with open grasslands, utilising the tanker’s capacity to carry 10,000 litres of water.

The fleet of ultra heavy tankers will be deployed to brigades in CFA’s North West, South West and West regions. Barunah, Hopetoun, Lake Bolac, Kamarooka, Marnoo, Wangaratta North and Joel Joel are among the 29 brigades to receive the new vehicle.

Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes

“With summer approaching, the rollout of 29 new ultra heavy tankers will greatly assist our firefighting capabilities in regional and remote areas, helping to protect Victorian communities and our dedicated volunteer firefighters.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“Our volunteer firefighters go above and beyond to protect our communities. These new heavy tankers will help keep them safe while they perform their critical work.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“I am pleased to see seven new heavy tankers delivered to CFA brigades in District 15, which I’m sure are welcome additions to the district’s firefighting fleet, including Wendouree.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these brand-new tankers will help support communities and firefighters across our region to stay safe for many years to come.”