Local fire brigades receive grants totalling $330,000

Six local fire brigades will upgrade vehicles, equipment or facilities to the value of $330,000 after gaining state government grants.
Mt Baw Baw Volunteer Ski Patrol is the other local recipient of a Victorian Emergency Service Equipment Program (VESEP) grant.
Neerim South CFA gained the biggest grant - $128,333 - for West Gippsland. The brigade will use this grant to purchase an ultralight tanker to protect its community.
Longwarry and District CFA and Warragul CFA were each granted $65,334 to replace forward command vehicles.
A shed for its ultralight tanker and workshop will be built at the Darnum and Ellinbank CFA after being granted $66,667.
In addition, Trida CFA will increase security with funding of $2330 and Drouin CFA will purchase a thermal imaging camera after successfully applying for a $2256 grant.
The volunteer ski patrol at Mt Baw Baw was granted $46,232 for minor facility improvements.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said the VESEP grants help fund modern operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements to volunteer groups to improve their emergency response capability.
As part of this year's program, CFA received more than $10.8 million to fund 143 initiatives, Victoria State Emergency Service more than $2.4 million, Life Saving Victoria clubs more than $858,000 and coast guards also benefitted.
"Our selfless emergency services volunteers are there when we need them most and these grants are all about helping ensure they have the latest equipment to do what they do best - protect communities and save lives," Ms Symes said.