Liberals make new fire tanker promise

COCKATOO CFA could soon be swapping its 33-year-old fire tanker for a shiny new red one if the Liberal Party is elected later this month.
Gembrook Liberal candidate Simon Wildes and Opposition spokesperson for emergency services Kim Wells yesterday (Monday) promised the Cockatoo CFA $250,000 funding for a new tanker if elected.
Mr Wildes said the funding would pay for a new tanker for the Cockatoo brigade and give better fire fighting protection for the hills.
He said the new tanker was needed to replace the Cockatoo brigade’s current truck.
Mr Wildes said the 10,000 litre tanker would be the only one of its kind in Victoria.
“The tanker will be the only specialised fire fighting appliance in Victoria with the ability to provide a major single water source of 10,000 litres, which is equivalent to three or four tankers,” he said.
“Many areas of the hills don’t have reticulated water so this tanker means valuable time in a fire isn’t lost through the need to leave the fire ground to replenish water supplies.”
Mr Wildes said the brigade’s current tanker was purchased with corporate and local donations following the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983 and is set to be decommissioned next year .
“This announcement shows the Liberals’ commitment to the Hills and along with the 24-hour ambulance service for Belgrave shows our commitment to providing the Hills with the emergency services they deserve,” he said.
The Mail contacted the Country Fire Authority for comment but was told it was unable to make any comments regarding the election campaign.