FUNDING for a Hamilton region fire brigade is in the spotlight after being overlooked for equipment funding, although its captain says the group is not aggrieved.
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Labor MP Jaala Pulford said the North Hamilton brigade had been constantly neglected in a speech at State Parliament last week.
The upper house MP said the brigade required a slip-on four-wheel-drive which costs about $60,000 as well as a $10,000 breathing apparatus.
“In the scheme of things, these are modest requests,” Ms Pulford said.
“However, the applications for both the breathing apparatus and the four-wheel-drive vehicle have been consistently denied by the government.”
Hamilton North fire brigade captain Renee Ackerley said he was satisfied with the way funding was allocated and had not registered a complaint.
“I’m fully aware of the application process and I’m satisfied with the way the CFA has handled funding,” Mr Ackerley said. “I haven’t personally been involved in making the complaint but I can understand the frustration.
“Having said that, the system in place works perfectly well.”
A spokeswoman for Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells said the allocation of fire brigade funding was determined by the relevant emergency services agency.
“Since coming to office we have invested more than $48 million into (emergency service equipment), in recognition of the significant contribution made by these emergency services volunteers.
“This record investment highlights the Napthine government’s commitment to ensuring our emergency services personnel are equipped to respond safely and effectively to emergencies across the state.”
