Nationals leader and State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said CFA brigades from Kerang, Koondrook, Lake Boga and Rochester brigades were awarded grants.
Echuca Moama Search and Rescue, along with Echuca SES, are the others in the electorate to share in $220,000 of VESEP support.
Mr Walsh said it was important local emergency services were well equipped, with an increased risk of grass fires forecast this summer, following a wet winter and spring.
“These grants will allow recipients to purchase critical operational equipment and appliances to help serve and protect our local communities ahead of the approaching fire season,” Mr Walsh said.
“For these first responders, this type of funding for vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements will ensure local emergency response capabilities are well equipped and supported.
“The VESEP provides $2 for every $1 raised by local units and brigades who do an extraordinary amount of their own fundraising throughout the year. The largest grant in this round of funding was almost $70,000 towards vehicles and appliances for Echuca’s SES,” he said.
Victorian volunteer emergency service groups can apply for a grant up to a maximum of $150,000 excluding GST. The VESEP will provide $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.
Echuca SES has received the largest windfall of the six groups, allocated $68,178 for vehicles and appliances.
The Rochester brigade has received $34,243 for vehicles and appliances, which is also where Echuca Moama Search and Rescue unit’s $42,312 will be spent.
