CFS Chief Officer Mark Jones calls on State Government to provide more funding for vital equipment
After a horrific bushfire season, the CFS is calling on the government to provide more funding to upgrade vital firefighting and safety equipment at more than 400 stations.
SA News
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More government funding is needed for the CFS to upgrade vital firefighting and safety equipment for more than 400 stations, Chief Officer Mark Jones says.
The state’s fire chief has called on the State Government to consider the CFS’ needs when the 2020-21 budget is handed down later this year.
“The best recognition any firefighter can get is to be given the best safety and firefighting equipment, reliable vehicles … great training and reliable communications,” Mr Jones said.
“These things cost money and, for a service of over 420 stations ready to fight fires … regular property and equipment upgrade is necessary to ensure optimum readiness is maintained.”
The CFS’ force of nearly 14,000 volunteers has come off the back of one of the worst bushfire seasons on record, which officially concluded two weeks ago.
Wildfires tore through homes at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills and on Kangaroo Island.
CFS crews battled many other fires throughout the state, including on Yorke Peninsula and Port Lincoln.
Since then, the CFS has “rolled up their sleeves” and joined SA Health on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.
“The Emergency Management Team put together by the CFS from all of the State’s Emergency Services, did a fantastic job of supporting SA Health when they needed us,” Mr Jones said.
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“Just as they did during the Fire Season, they rose to the challenge time and time again, although this time unseen and little recognised.”
Mr Jones acknowledged the devastating effects coronavirus is expected to have on this year’s budget.
“The amount of resources needed to keep the economy working will present challenges for all governments going forward and every taxpayer’s dollar will become more precious and contested,” he said.
“I just want to make sure that the CFS and the benefit it conveys upon South Australia is not forgotten and is at the forefront of everyone’s minds as budgets are allocated.”
Emergency Services Minister Corey Wingard said he wanted firefighters equiped with the best gear and would fight for the funding.
“The CFS Chief is spot on when he says there’s competition between departments for funding but I will back him 100% in his push for the resources he needs to keep our State safe,” Mr Wingard said.
