The Allan Labor Government is backing Wirrate CFA volunteers to strengthen their safety and emergency response.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced the arrival of a new tanker.

The $225,000 light tanker is highly versatile to easily navigate through challenging terrains.

The light tanker features:

• 2,000-litre water capacity with a powerful pump
• 4WD capability
• Advanced crew protection systems including heat protective curtains.

Light tankers are vital in regional Victoria with their manoeuvrability for safe, flexible responses.

This investment forms part of Labor’s $40 million CFA rolling fleet replacement program to deliver modern, safer vehicles.

This comes on top of Labor’s biggest ever Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grant round of over $31 million for volunteer brigades, units and rescue organisations to upgrade trucks, equipment and facilities.

Applications for the 2026–27 VESEP round are now open and close Thursday 11 June 2026.

For more information and application details, visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.

Through our investments in emergency services infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment, Labor is backing CFA volunteers to respond faster and help keep Victorians safe.

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This new tanker gives Wirrate volunteers a modern, safer vehicle to help their community when it matters most.”

“Our rolling fleet replacement program delivers the right equipment across Victoria to meet today’s fire risks.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward

“We’ll always back our emergency services to make sure they have what they need to act quickly and work safely.”