District 13 operations manger Graeme Armstrong, Cr Chris Templer, Hoddles Creek Captain Anthony Packer and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato.
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
SHINY new water tankers are travelling around the Upper Yarra in preparation for summer.
The Country Fire Authority has received a State Government boost with a $4 million rollout of water tankers at rural fire stations across Victoria.
Gruyere, Lilydale, Seville, Wandin, Hoddles Creek, Gladysdale, Warburton East, Wesburn/Millgrove, Yarra Junction and Yellingbo will benefit with new water tankers and, in some cases, pressure pumps as well.
Hoddles Creek Fire Brigade was presented its new Nissan Ultra Light Tanker this month by Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato and Yarra Ranges councillor Chris Templer.
Ms Lobato remarked on the different pockets of land types, such as Crown land, vineyards, and orchards which make up the 81 square kilometres of the brigades’ boundaries.
Hoddles Creek CFA captain Anthony Packer said the vehicle not only suits their surroundings but would provide a greater level of protection to the area.
“We are a small but very committed brigade and have served our community proudly for the past 64 years,” Captain Packer said.
The CFA Community Water Tanks Project is a partnership between the State Government, the Myer Foundation and the CFA.
Ms Lobato said these water tankers and pumps would allow brigades to rapidly fill their firefighting vehicles during a bushfire emergency.
She said the project would see almost 800 water tankers, pumps and plumbing installed at fire stations across the state.
