Sidney Myer Fund to provide rainwater tanks for CFA stations

As the devastating drought continues across Victoria, the Sidney Myer Fund will provide $2 million for the installation of rainwater tanks to about 500 CFA fire stations in regional Victoria.

The rainwater tanks are to be fitted over the next nine months and will reduce CFA’s dependency on drawing from other local rural community water resources which continue to diminish due to below average rainfall.

Water from the rain tanks will be used primarily for non-emergency purposes, including brigade training and the cleaning of trucks and equipment. However, the ready availability of a “first fill” volume of water for firefighting emergencies will additionally increase the level of safety to the communities.

Tooborac Fire Brigade Captain David Anderson, First Lieutenant Rob Falla test out the new rainwater tank as ex Captain Andrew Thompson provides the shower. Tooborac is one of the first brigades to receive the rainwater tank.

The $2 million grant is part of the $36 million Myer 2009 Commemorative Grants Program, which celebrates 75 years of the Sidney Myer Fund and 50 years of The Myer Foundation.

CFA Chairman Kerry Murphy said the funding of the project by the Myer 2009 Commemorative Grants Program was a wonderful gesture that not only supports volunteers, but additionally pays a double dividend by giving something directly back to their broader communities through this environmentally sustainable project.

“The drought and climate change have been profound in country Victoria. The shortage of water has affected the non-emergency activities of CFA fire brigades which are naturally reluctant to use town water supply or even draw water from local dams,” he said.

Mr Murphy said the rainwater tank project supports CFA goals in developing social cohesion, environmental health and the sustainability of regional communities. “CFA is committed to good environmental management and aims to deliver its service in a safe, efficient and effective way.”

Funds from the Myer 2009 Commemorative Grants Program will offset the cost of supplying the tanks, pumps and other equipment while CFA brigades will provide “in-kind” support to the project including site preparation, plumbing and installation.

The video below formed part of CFA's application to the Myer 2009 Commemorative Grants Program.

File size: 10.1MB Running time: 4 mins 12 sec (Broadband recommended)