By BRIDGET SCOTT
CFA groups in the City of Casey will benefit from a $260,000 field operations vehicle under a re-elected Napthine Government.
Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Geoff Ablett joined with Minister for Emergency Services Kim Wells on Thursday, 6 November to announce the field operation vehicle for the Casey group of CFA brigades.
Mr Ablett said this vehicle will play a vital role in fighting fires in the Casey and Cardinia region, and said it was unsafe to be without one.
Group CFA Officer Shane Keen welcomed the announcement and said it would make a huge difference.
“If it got over the line it would be a great asset,” he said.
Mr Keen said the local brigades currently have access to one however it’s extremely outdated.
“We have one of this type but it’s 15-years-old with out of date technology,” he said.
He said all of the CFA’s in the area would have access to this, including Cardinia brigades.
Mr Keen said this vehicle would be the divisional command point and headquarters for the divisional commander during major bushfires.
“All CFA’s in the area would have access to it, it can go anywhere in the state,” he said.
“We are grateful for the assistance and hope that we can get the funding.”
Mr Wells said the Napthine Government was committed to delivering better equipment for the Casey Group which is comprised of 11 CFA stations across the Cranbourne area.
“The Napthine Government is working hard to build a safer Victoria by ensuring Cranbourne is better protected from the threat of fires and other emergencies than ever before,” Mr Wells said.
“This election commitment is building on the Coalition Government’s significant investments in the CFA that continue to increase community safety and make Victoria a safer place.”
Mr Ablett also applauded the announcement and said he told people that if he was pre-selected he would make it a priority.
“I went to the government and said as far as safety goes this is the number-one thing we need,” he said.
“It was stressed to me by all CFA people that it would save lives.”
“A new field operations vehicle will significantly enhance local emergency response capabilities with the group regularly assisting with residential and large industrial fires, as well as grass fires on the urban fringe,” Mr Ablett said.
Mr Wells said his Government is committed to community safety and appreciated the work of CFA workers and volunteers.
“This financial year the CFA Budget is $457 million, $58 million more than when Labor left office in 2010,” he said.
“Community safety is paramount, and the Coalition Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen Victoria’s emergency services and ensure all Victorians and their families are better protected.”
