Premier tours Ballarat firetruck factory

Premier Brumby with CFA CEO Neil Bibby and Creswick brigade captain Mark Spenceley

The Premier, John Brumby, and CFA CEO, Neil Bibby last week watched the latest model CFA tanker (pictured below) roll off the SEM Fire and Rescue production line in Wendouree, near Ballarat.

It was the first of 62 new $273,000 2.4C tankers, which have increased water capacity (2350 litres) and safety features.

“The ability to access the cabin from the back of these vehicles will give firefighters greater protection," Mr Brumby said. "The windows will have fire curtains, and the entire vehicle will have a spray protection system to help keep crews safe as they fight fires.”

Between now and April 2009, SEM Fire and Rescue in Wendouree will produce nearly 100 CFA vehicles. In the past, it has produced an average of 130 vehicles for CFA and other emergency services each year.

Mr Brumby said SEM Fire and Rescue made a significant contribution to the local economy through employment, sourcing parts locally and using local specialist services.

Since 1999, the Victorian Government had provided an additional 520 firefighting appliances worth $103 million to CFA.

“In the 2007-2008 State Budget, this Government announced $80 million in initiatives to support emergency services volunteers and strengthen their capacity to respond,” Mr Brumby said.

Mr Bibby thanked the Premier for the Government’s ongoing support and said Mr Brumby’s attendance at the plant highlighted his "commitment to improving Victoria’s firefighting capabilities."