GRANTS IMPROVE FARM FIRE FIGHTING CAPABILITIES
A number of local farmers will be able to upgrade their firefighting capabilities as a result receiving grants from the $470,000 Regional Community Capability Fund which were announced at Kingsford on Friday.
On the property of local farmer Anthony Fortheringham, Emergency Services Minister Hon Peter Malinauskas MLC announced that nine local farmers will receive $16,000 in total to purchase vehicle mounted fire farm units, or associated equipment to assist with fighting fires.
Local Member of Parliament Mr Tony Piccolo, who initiated the scheme while Minister for Emergency Services said the grants help boost the frontline emergency response in local communities.
The 2016 announcement will deliver 159 farm fighting units, 92 bulk water storage tanks, 62 high volume water pumps, personal protection clothing and a range of safety equipment across the state while the 2015 grant program delivered 88 mobile firefighting units, 28 bulk water storage tanks and high volume water pumps.
Mr Piccolo said 273 individuals and organisations from more than 500 applications received, will share in the $470,000 available this year from the four year scheme.
Mr Piccolo said he initiated the scheme following feedback he had received about the important role that fire farm units played in fighting major fires we have had in the state.Local farmer, Mr Tony Fotheringham was one of the successful applicants in 2015 who used his grant to upgrade the pump on his farm fire unit, which was also used to fight the Pinery fires.
Mr Fortheringham said fire farm units can play an important role in frontline firefighting and while he recognised the funding cannot continue for ever, he hopes this program will continue for as long as possible.
“Farm firefighting units are always needed to take the pressure off brigades,” said Mr Fotheringham.To enable the funds to go to more people and organisations, the guidelines for the 2016 grants were modified so that the program will reimburse up to half the price of approved purchases to a maximum of $2,500.Assessment of applications takes into account value for money, geographic location, existing capability and risk factors unique to the individual property.
Mr Piccolo said that an important aspect of the scheme is to improve the safety involved with fire farm units, so all successful applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have completed appropriate training before receiving grant funds.