Claims funding cuts to Country Fire Authority left brigades relying on aging fleet of tankers | 7.30

Key Concepts

• CFA Tanker Age & Reliability: The significant age and unreliability of many Country Fire Authority (CFA) tankers in Victoria, Australia.
• Funding Discrepancies: Conflicting reports and accusations regarding funding levels for the CFA, with debate over increases versus decreases in grant funding.
• Firefighter Safety: Concerns about the safety of firefighters operating in outdated tankers, particularly during burnovers.
• Bushfire Response & Equipment: The impact of equipment quality and availability on the response to recent Victorian bushfires, specifically the Hardcourt fires.
• Fire Services Reform: Mention of ongoing fire services reform and its impact on funding and resource allocation.

Aging Fleet & Operational Challenges

The Cororak East CFA brigade operates a fire tanker that is 33 years old, essentially a vintage vehicle. This tanker suffers from overheating issues, as demonstrated by a recent incident where it had to be removed from a fire scene to prevent further damage. The truck’s age also presents discomfort for firefighters, with limited air conditioning and exposure to heat and smoke. Cororak East received the tanker 13 years ago, after it had already served two other brigades – Swan Hill and another unnamed brigade – highlighting a pattern of cascading older equipment. The brigade acknowledges the tanker is unsuitable for rough terrain due to being a two-wheel drive vehicle, increasing the risk of becoming stuck during operations.

Public & Union Criticism of Government Funding

Following devastating bushfires, public anger is mounting regarding government funding for the CFA and the state of its equipment. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen was confronted by residents in Alexandra, who accused the government of neglecting fire services. The United Firefighters Union (UFU) alleges that the government has cut funding, despite the government’s claims to the contrary. The UFU states that 800 CFA tankers should be taken off the road, with 230 being over 31 years old and 64% of Fire Rescue’s trucks also needing replacement.

Conflicting Funding Reports & Government Response

The government asserts that CFA funding has increased, citing a $21.8 million increase in government grant funding in the last financial year. However, the CFA’s 2023-24 annual report, released with a two-month delay, also reveals a decrease in overall government grant funding from $351 million to $339 million over four years. Jason Hefan, CFA’s Chief Officer, cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from the annual reports, stating that the total budget available to the CFA has increased since fire services reform. Premier Allen defended the government’s funding, stating the CFA is “stronger because of the year-on-year increase in funding that has been delivered by our government.” When questioned about discrepancies, Allen stated she wouldn’t “call anyone a liar” but believed the CFA’s claims were “misconceived” and “wrong.” Peter Marshall, the UFU secretary, is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into CFA funding and equipment.

New Tanker Production & Replacement Rate

The report included a visit to a manufacturing facility where new CFA tankers are built. These heavy tankers cost approximately $500,000 and require up to 24 months to complete due to the hundreds of individual parts involved. The CFA fleet comprises approximately 2,500 emergency response vehicles. The number of new tankers delivered annually has fluctuated, with only 17 delivered in 2020, increasing to 88 in 2024, with expectations of 90 in the coming year and 167 over two years.

Impact of New Equipment: Bangaroo Case Study

The Bangaroo Fire Station near Gisborne recently received a new tanker, which Captain Simon Haywood describes as incomparable to the previous 30-year-old model. The new tanker features a closed cab, providing significantly improved protection for the crew, particularly during potential burnovers. Haywood and his team deployed to Hardcourt to fight a recent bushfire. He highlighted the importance of the new tanker’s monitor, which allowed firefighters to apply water to fires on cars and houses without exposing themselves to direct danger. The old tanker’s open-top design would have left the crew vulnerable and exposed.

Burnover Risks & Crew Safety

The report contrasts the safety features of new and old tankers, emphasizing the dangers faced by firefighters in outdated equipment. In Cororak East, firefighters in older tankers must rely on manually deployed fire curtains for protection during a burnover – a situation described as “hell really. It’s just hot.” New tankers offer a fully enclosed cab, providing significantly greater protection in the event of a fire engulfing the vehicle.

Independent Review & Bushfire Severity

Following a bushfire season that resulted in one fatality and hundreds of destroyed properties, Premier Allen announced an independent formal review of the state’s bushfire season. Jason Hefan, CFA’s Chief Officer, acknowledged the severity of the fires, stating that once a fire “got large and took hold on that day, um there you can't stop it.” On January 9th, over 200 bush and grass fires occurred, with 10 escalating into large fires, but most were quickly contained.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The report paints a concerning picture of the CFA’s aging fleet and the challenges faced by firefighters in Victoria. While the government claims increased funding, discrepancies in reported figures and the UFU’s accusations of cuts raise questions about resource allocation. The contrast between the safety and capabilities of new and old tankers is stark, highlighting the critical need for continued investment in modern equipment to protect firefighters and effectively respond to increasingly severe bushfire seasons. The independent review announced by the Premier is a crucial step, but addressing the underlying issues of funding, equipment replacement, and fleet management is essential for ensuring the safety of communities and firefighters alike.