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A report from Victoria's auditor general reveals that the state's firefighting agencies face a $1.5 billion funding shortfall for fleet upgrades. The agencies have received only a fraction of the required funds due to government-imposed fiscal constraints.
Why it matters
The funding gap raises serious concerns about public safety and the operational readiness of emergency services to handle future fire seasons.
Victoria’s firefighting fleet needs funding, auditor general report finds
Victoria’s auditor general has found the state’s fire authorities need $1.5bn over the next decade to replace and upgrade their firefighting fleets, but have received only a quarter of the funding required.
The report, tabled in parliament this morning, found that the Country Fire Authority , Fire Rescue Victoria and the department’s firefighting fleet - which operates through Forest Fire Management Victoria - collectively need $1.5bn to “make sure their fire trucks are fit for purpose, reliable and safe,” but have only received $390.4m in current funding and future grants.
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