The Victorian Coalition has announced a $200 million commitment to the CFA if it forms government at the November state election.

The announcement was made in Longwood on Monday, November 2, by state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, Opposition leader Jess Wilson and Shadow Emergency Services Minister Danny O'Brien.

The proposed investment would deliver 335 new CFA fire trucks over five years, 17 new and upgraded fire stations, and a major volunteer recruitment drive.

The truck program would begin on July 1, 2027, building towards 100 trucks annually and retiring single-cab trucks within 10 years.

Locally, the commitment includes a new fire truck for Longwood Fire Brigade and a new fire station in Strathbogie.

Ms Cleeland said both commitments were urgently needed.

“Strathbogie’s volunteers have no toilet, no proper storage for chemicals, and they’re running their brigade out of a neighbour’s backyard. It’s the definition of an unsafe work environment,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Longwood knows better than most what it means to face a major bushfire. A new truck for the Longwood brigade, and making this announcement here, sends a clear message that regional communities and the volunteers who protect them will be at the centre of a Liberal and Nationals government.”

The announcement follows a Victorian Auditor-General finding that 57 per cent of CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria trucks were at least 15 years old.

CFA operational volunteer numbers have also fallen by 26 per cent over the past decade, while about 802 CFA tankers remain single-cab vehicles.

The commitment, proposed to be independently costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office, would also establish a ministerial consultative group to help identify investment priorities and create an Emergency Services Volunteer Ombudsman to advocate for volunteers and help mediate disputes.

A target of recruiting 10,000 volunteers over a decade would also be supported.

“These volunteers give up their time, put themselves in dangerous situations and leave their families behind to help others. They deserve modern equipment and safe facilities to do that job,” Ms Cleeland said.

“We cannot take our volunteers for granted. We need to invest in the people and equipment that protect our communities before the next emergency happens.”

Seymour Telegraph Google News Panels

Friday, 24th September 2027

Your Afternoon Headlines

Select Stories

Publish Panels