$7.3 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

New funding in the 2005-06 Budget will ensure emergency services in Canberra maintain a modern fleet of vehicles with $7.3m over four years for a vehicle replacement program.

“This represents an increase of more than 50 per cent on previous funding,” Minister for Police and Emergency Services John Hargreaves said today.

“Our vehicles are the cornerstone of the delivery of timely emergency services across the ACT.

“Ambulances and fire trucks travel thousands upon thousands of kilometres every year across the city protecting life, property and the environment. It’s vital these vehicles are well maintained and replaced as required.” 

$2.6 million will be spent in the next year on the following vehicles:

o	7 x intensive care ambulances 
o	1 x light tanker 
o	1 x heavy tanker 
o	2 x 4wd command vehicles 
o	1 x hazmat vehicle fit out 
o	1 x SES troop carrier 
o	1 x cab chassis for heavy rescue pumper 
“The program will see the replacement of existing ESA vehicles ensuring the level of service is maintained on the frontline in the years to come,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The SES troop carrier for instance will be fitted out as a Forward Communications Unit with the capability of being utilised as a Forward Command Unit by any of the ESA services as required.

The procurement process is expected to get underway in July.
Statement ends