No. 46

$250,000 in driver training for ACT RFS volunteers  

ACT Rural Fire Service volunteers will undergo advanced driver training with $250,000 in funding over four years provided in the 2007-08 Budget.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell said the funding would help to improve the level of driving skills for the ACT RFS volunteers who need to operate 4WD and heavy tanker vehicles.

“Operating large bushfire vehicles in remote areas and at fires is a competency that requires a considerable amount of training and experience,” he said.
  
“This funding will allow ACT RFS and some selected ACT SES volunteers to gain the skills needed to safely operate these large bushfire and other specialist vehicles.”

“This program is vital to ensure the safety of our volunteer fire fighters who give up their own time to ensure the ACT community is protected from the threat of bushfires.”

Mr Corbell said the advanced training would also give Brigade members more options for driving bushfire fighting vehicles during a fire incident.

“The ability to maintain a highly-trained volunteer workforce capable of responding rapidly and safely to bushfires remains a key component of the ACT RFS strategy to minimise the impacts of large fires,” he said.

“This special ACT RFS budget allocation for training will also allow for more ESA training funds to be redirected towards specialist driver training for ACT SES volunteers. 

“This funding initiative supports the ACT Government’s continued commitment to ensuring a safer work environment for our volunteers and the ACT community.”