Moorooduc Fire Brigade will have extra support this fire season with the delivery of a heavy tanker, and an ultra heavy tanker to boost firefighting capabilities.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today joined brigade members and representatives from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to officially handover the tankers and thank volunteers for their dedication and service to the community.

Valued at $460,000, the heavy tanker is one of 48 rolling out to brigades across the state, made possible by a $22.7 million investment from the Allan Labor Government.

The heavy tanker includes a better interface and features to improve ergonomics and help reduce firefighter fatigue, including electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels to make the tanker easier to operate.

The tanker also has a higher percentage of recyclable materials, a 4000-litre water tank, and improved crew and vehicle roll over and burn-over protection to keep firefighters safe in extreme heat.

The Government provided a further $12.8 million for the rollout of 29 ultra heavy tankers, including at Moorooduc Fire Brigade. Valued at $440,000, the ultra-heavy tanker has the capacity to carry 10,000 litres of water and will primarily be used to battle grass fires.

The Moorooduc Fire Brigade is part of the Westernport Group, with the station supporting surrounding brigades and operating as the group headquarters.

For more than 80 years, the brigade has served the local community. With 64 members, including 44 operational members, the brigade responds to around 100 call outs each year.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“It’s a pleasure to officially handover the new tankers to the Moorooduc Fire Brigade, whose volunteers go above and beyond to protect the Mornington Peninsula community.”

“We are ensuring our volunteers have the equipment they need to look after their safety and that of the community, and I look forward to seeing the positive benefits the new tankers will bring to the brigade.”