New support vehicle for Johnsonville Fire Brigade

Johnsonville CFA celebrated the arrival of a new $160,000 ‘one-of-a-kind’ support vehicle on Sunday, with State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, on hand to present the keys to the brigade.

Mr Bull said the new support vehicle was a welcome addition to the local brigade and would be used in a wide range of emergencies in the region.

“It is great to be able to celebrate today’s milestone with a new replacement support vehicle that will help the Johnsonville CFA respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively.

“The vehicle is one of a number of new CFA vehicles to be rolled out in the electorate of recent times,” Mr Bull said.

Johnsonville Fire Brigade Captain, Rodney Baylis, said the Johnsonville brigade took a decision 15 years ago to revert to one fire tanker and develop a multi-functional emergency vehicle as a replacement.  

“This new vehicle is the second iteration and was developed by local members. It is modelled on a Light Salvage Vehicle, however the fit out and function has been customised by the brigade.”

The main features of the unit include: •    LP gas flare off equipment •    Mounted telescopic lighting for field work •    Quick fill pumping •    Radio and phone communications and a fold away work desk for administration operational efficiency •    Extra fire fighting equipment including hoses, spare hydrant and couplings, signage and shovels to name a few.

“In the event that another appliance is not readily available this vehicle has the capability to respond to and commence handling a wide range of incidents where there is reticulated water or access to water by pump until a primary appliance arrives,” said Mr Baylis.

Mr Bull said the support vehicle was funded in partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the CFA and the Johnsonville community, including the Salt Creek Camp Draft Committee who has supported the brigade over many years with its fund raising activities.

“This new addition is a good example of the government and community working together and will further enhance the efficiency of the brigade within its boundary area, while also being a huge asset to its neighbouring brigades.

“The 2012-13 Budget included $57 million to boost the state’s emergency services infrastructure, including more than $22 million to build or upgrade rural fire stations, which is part of the Coalition’s commitment to build or upgrade 250 CFA stations during its first term of government,” Mr Bull said.