Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV)

Issues of Interest

Minister Announces Launch Of New Csesp Round

NEW GRANTS TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY SERVICE GROUPS

Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron today announced applications are now open for this year’s $3.76 million round of the Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP) and urged local emergency services groups to apply.

The CSESP grants program is open to all CFA brigades, VICSES Units, Life Saving Victoria Clubs, Australian Volunteer Coastguard (AVCG) flotillas and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) teams.

Mr Cameron said local CFA brigades could also apply for the Brumby Government’s special allocation for slip-on units, which have evolved into new ultra-light tankers.

“Last year 16 new slip-on units were funded through this special allocation and with the recent bushfires showing once again how valuable these are, this initiative has been extended for a further year,” Mr Cameron said.

“These ultra-light tankers are able to access difficult areas and have a 400-litre water capacity - they are designed to get to a fire quickly and suppress it.”

Mr Cameron said under this special program, priority would be given towards funding for those brigades with the greatest operational need.

He said the matched fund was a crucial part of the Brumby Government’s support for local volunteer emergency services groups and assisted them in purchasing extra equipment over and above their core equipment.

“Our emergency services volunteers do an outstanding job, often under very difficult conditions,” Mr Cameron said.

“The events of Black Saturday and the effort over the entire fire season again demonstrated the extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, compassion and determination of our exceptional emergency services volunteers.

“Our volunteers are on call to their communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year and providing them with additional equipment highlights the Brumby Government’s commitment to supporting them in their vital work.”

Mr Cameron said since the CSESP began in 2000, it has provided more than $21 million in funding to volunteer emergency services for additional equipment over and above the Brumby Government’s record resourcing of Victoria’s emergency services.

To apply, local groups should contact their agency’s CSESP representative.