A further 28 world-class Country Fire Authority (CFA) heavy tankers will roll out to brigades across Victoria, providing our volunteer firefighters even greater protection as they work to keep Victorians safe through the summer months.

Acting Minister for Emergency Services Anthony Carbines visited the CFA‘s Burwood East headquarters to meet local volunteers and officially announce the locations of the final 28 heavy tankers to be delivered across the state.

The CFA brigades to receive the final 28 heavy tankers announced today include:

• Narre Warren North
• Heywood
• Dimboola
• Tatura
• Werribee
• Gembrook
• Ellerslie
• Avoca
• Shepparton
• Point Cook
• Morwell
• Connewarre
• Halls Gap
• The Basin
• Eaglehawk
• Tooradin
• Cobden
• South Warrandyte
• Golden Square
• Rosedale
• Rokewood
• Seville
• Mildura
• Maffra
• Winchelsea
• Olinda
• South Morang
• Sunbury

A total of $22.73 million has been invested to produce 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $126 million CFA Capability Funding package.

The locally-made tankers will replace existing CFA single-cab tankers, with the first 20 dual cab heavy tankers currently being delivered to brigades and the full fleet expected to be rolled out by November 2023.

The new heavy tankers feature a multilayered crew protection system, ensuring the vehicle can withstand fire temperatures of more than 600 degrees Celsius, helping to keep firefighters safe.

Other features of the heavy tankers include electronic monitors, electric rewind hose reels, modern cab chassis enhancements and higher levels of emissions controls.

Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co (Bell Fire and Rescue) is producing 48 of these vital heavy tankers for CFA brigades, with the contract securing around 20 local jobs dedicated to their construction.

The $126 million investment over five years for the CFA will see new training opportunities, facilities and appliances being rolled out across the state, as well as initiatives to support retention and recruitment of members.

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Emergency Services Anthony Carbines

“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these replacement tankers will provide better safety outcomes for both communities and firefighters.”

“These heavy tankers aren’t just a valuable addition to volunteer fleets – they’re made right here in Victoria, supporting local manufacturing and jobs.”