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Record investment to protect Victoria from bushfire riskImportant upgrades on the fire management offices and a new fire management office in remote area for faster containment of fire. By news@gippsland - 13th May 2021 - Back to News The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a record funding package to protect local communities, including in Eastern Victoria, across the state – aimed at reducing bushfire risk for the longer, hotter fire seasons to come.
Our firefighters are dedicating their lives to save our environment from bushfires, we support their dedication and expertise in recognition of their life saving work
Technology upgrades for firefighters
As part of the Victorian Budget 2021/22, a $517 million investment will deliver important technology upgrades for firefighters and improved risk management across agencies to reduce the risk of bushfires in a changing climate.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said that the investment of $339.5 million will continue to fund our Forest Fire Management workers and firefighters - as well make sure our technology, fire towers and equipment stays up to scratch. A $133 million investment will deliver brand-new digital radios for Forest Fire Management Victoria staff – helping them avoid black spots and communicate better with other emergency services.
Providing new office for bush fire management
Better communication on the ground and in remote areas will help detect fires earlier and improve efforts to contain them faster. Funding will also further deliver on recommendations of two inquiries into the devastating 2019 and 2020 bushfires by the Inspector General for Emergency Management and the Bushfires Royal Commission.
In response to the Inspector General’s call for greater coordination and leadership, more than $21 million will be provided for a new Office of Bushfire Risk Management to bring together land and fire managers, so they can work more closely to reduce the risk of bushfires on public and private land.
Keeping the state sasfe
The Office will work with Forest Fire Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, Emergency Management Victoria, local government, landholders and the community. It will have a key role in delivering the improvements to land and fire management recommended by the Inspector-General.
A Budget boost of $15.6 million will help keep our state safe, addressing long grasses and other highly flammable undergrowth across Victoria, including delivering fuel management along major arterial road and rail corridors, additional planned burns, new specialist skills and machinery, and advanced bushfire risk modelling.
Reducing life and property risks
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "It’s so important as our climate becomes drier and weather patterns become less predictable, that first responders and local communities have the firefighting equipment, technology and infrastructure they need to manage and reduce the risks to life and property."
"Our frontline and first responders do an incredible job protecting Victorians year after year, and their work saves lives - this investment is a recognition of their year-round dedication and expertise, and will support their work in a range of operational and strategic ways."
Pictures from Forest Fire Management Victoria Faceboook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students. - Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities. - Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Baw Baw Shire Council adopts 2025 - 2029 Road Management Plan, updating registers for safe, sustainable, community-focused roads and footpaths
Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed the 2025-2029 Road Management Plan, updating public road and footpath registers, removing recreational Walhalla Road sections, and ensuring safe, sustainable local road management. - ACA warns Federal under-16 social media ban may increase risks, create unintended consequences for children online
The Aligned Council of Australia warns the Federal under-16 social media ban risks pushing children into unsafe online spaces, creating new privacy, policing, and criminal exploitation challenges nationwide. - Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley. - Darren Chester secures 2M for Western Lakes Entrance upgrades underway, new pathway and safety improvements to benefit all users
Safety upgrades on Lakes Entrance western approach are progressing, with a new pathway, improved barriers, and intersection works set to benefit motorists, pedestrians, and visitors before the Christmas peak. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities. - Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending. - East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure. - East Gippsland Shire Council adopts 2026–2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan ensuring pet welfare and safe, enjoyable public spaces for community
East Gippsland Council adopts Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029, promoting responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, safe public spaces, community consultation, compliance and effective management of dogs and cats across the Shire. - Winter shutdown enables Macalister irrigation upgrades, improving infrastructure, automation, reliability and water delivery efficiency
Winter irrigation shutdown enables major upgrades across Macalister Irrigation District, improving infrastructure, automation, reliability and long-term water delivery efficiency for farms and communities. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Gippsland welcomes $50M Renewable Energy TAFE Centre in Morwell, boosting jobs and regional transition to renewable energy future
One Gippsland welcomes $50 million investment in Morwell Renewable Energy TAFE Centre, boosting workforce training and supporting Gippsland’s clean energy transition and future job growth. - Baw Baw Shire aquatic facilities future management decision announced
Baw Baw Council will continue current aquatic and leisure facility operations with YMCA Victoria for 12 months, ensuring service continuity while assessing future management and preparing for a future tender process. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently. - Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads. - Explore the 2026 Adventure range this May with new models, upgrades and free camping innovations on 8-9 May 2026
Explore the upgraded 2026 Adventure range on May 8-9, featuring J-Pod, Adventurer 48V and Crosstrak models, with expert guidance for free camping enthusiasts. - Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season.
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