Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward, has today visited the CFA State Logistics Centre in Scoresby to inspect 50 Isuzu 4×4 crew cab chassis which will become light tankers to be rolled out to brigades across Victoria next year.
The vehicles are a vital part of CFA’s fleet, built with modern firefighting equipment and safety features to help brigades respond quickly and safely across both urban streets and rugged terrain.
The cab chassis will be delivered to a local manufacturer to be fitted out as light tankers – with the first seven to be allocated to CFA brigades in Echuca Village, Ellerslie, Greendale, Kingston, Bulart, Corinella and Jamieson.
“Our CFA volunteers go above and beyond to protect their communities – and we’re supporting them to have the vehicles, radios and safety gear they need to do that job safely and effectively,” said Minister Ward.
“These new cab chassis will soon become a crucial part of the CFA’s fleet, bolstering brigades’ response capabilities now and into the future.”
Ahead of the fire season, the CFA is also rolling out a major upgrade to its radio network, thanks to the Government’s $138 million radio replacement program.
More than 18,000 new radios featuring GPS tracking are being delivered to CFA brigades across Victoria, so volunteers can communicate better with emergency services and can stay safe during emergencies.
The upgraded radios also eliminate previous blackspots, making it easier to locate firefighters on the ground and ensure their safety in high-risk situations.
The Government has also opened a tender for protective boots and gloves specifically designed for women, while feminine hygiene packs including tampons, sanitary pads and wipes have been rolled out in all CFA trucks and vehicles – ensuring CFA brigades are inclusive and encouraging of more women to join their local brigade.
