The number of available Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) trucks has been reduced by 15 per cent after United Firefighters Union (UFU) members unanimously supported work bans on up to 30 trucks due to their ageing and dangerous conditions.
The UFU has also stated that 42 per cent of the FRV fleet is beyond its replacement date, with that figure expected to worsen to nearly 65 per cent by the end of 2025 unless action is taken.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said the UFU’s decision reflected the ongoing mismanagement of emergency services under the Allan Labor Government.
“The ageing condition of the FRV fleet has been an issue for years and yet the Labor Government has continually failed to invest in vehicle maintenance and upgrades,” she said.
“Last year the government’s take from the fire services levy increased by close to $200 million and only nine per cent of that was projected to go back to CFA brigades.
“Now the fire services levy has nearly doubled as Labor looks for new ways to slug Victorians to make up for their financial mismanagement.
“We had to fight hard to finally receive our specialised pumper platform fire truck for Shepparton which the Allan Labor Government tried to divert to Sunshine.
“Brigades across Greater Shepparton and Moira are begging for crucial investments.
“Too often the government fails to come to the table when our CFA brigades advocate for the most basic infrastructure and fleet upgrades.
“The safety of our community relies on the incredible firies and volunteers in our local brigades, and they shouldn’t be hampered by sub-par equipment.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage emergency services and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
