Malmsbury cfa secures new tanker in state budget

Premier Daniel Andrews and Mary-Anne Thomas MP visited Malmsbury CFA in April to personally thank Captain Tony Stephens and crew for their commitment and hard work over the recent fire season. "We are indebted to the hard-working volunteers of this Brigade, and to Captain Tony Stephens for their commitment during some very challenging circumstances – particularly with the events at the Juvenile Justice Centre in January" Ms Thomas said.

During his visit, the Premier announced $375,000 in the upcoming 2017-18 State Budget for a new medium sized tanker and breathing apparatus.

The Premier and Mary-Anne gave the brigade an assurance that the current tanker on loan from the CFA will be available to the Malmsbury brigade until the new tanker arrives.”This new tanker will ensure that the crew are well-equipped to do the job they need to do in keeping the community safe during the fire season and at other times of the year”. Ms Thomas said.

Captain Tony Stephens praised Mary-Anne Thomas for her work in securing the additional tanker. "Mary-Anne has worked hard to get this outcome for the Malmsbury community. She has been fully engaged with the Brigade, listening to the issues we have faced with the Juvenile Justice Centre."

The new tanker will improve the brigade’s ability to respond to both structure and grass fires, and with membership at the Malmsbury Brigade growing in recent times, the second truck means that members who are often available and willing to respond, will now be able to.

Captain Stephens said "the second tanker increases the Brigades ability to help protect our community. It means when our primary tanker is committed elsewhere that we have a second tanker available locally to respond to incidents."