The government announced on Thursday, April 23 that the 2026-27 Victorian budget would deliver $100 million for new CFA tankers and pumpers, $26.2 million for construction and upgrades at 10 brigades across the state, and $22.4 million for wellbeing support, training and protective gear.
An investment of $217 million is also set to funnel into Forest Fire Management Victoria.
The most contentious part of the announcement is the $100 million for the CFA to acquire new firefighting equipment, with the funding to be delivered over 10 years.
“Families, farmers and small businesses across Ovens Valley are being hit with Labor’s $5 billion Emergency Services Tax, yet once again there is no clear, guaranteed investment flowing back to our communities,” state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said.
“Labor has announced $100 million to replace ageing CFA tankers and pumpers, but what they haven’t been upfront about is that funding is stretched over a decade.
“That’s not a serious commitment, it’s a slow drip-feed that won’t meet the urgent needs on the ground.”
Andrew Weidemann from the Across Victoria Alliance said the funding announcement didn’t match the level of revenue being collected through the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
“Victorians are paying significantly more through the levy, so they have every right to expect that money is reinvested properly,” he said.
“This announcement is welcome, but it is only a fraction of the extra funds being collected.”
While the $100 million will be dealt out over a 10-year period, it is an addition to the funding the government has already committed to previously, with up to $53 million to be invested into the CFA’s fleet alone in the 2026-27 period.
A government spokesperson said over $2 billion had been invested in 2025-26, and $1.55 billion was forecast to be raised by the ESVF.
“Our volunteer and forest firefighters are on the front line, protecting Victorians — we’ll keep delivering the trucks, equipment and facilities they need,” the spokesperson said.
“Every single dollar raised by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund goes back into our emergency services — as enshrined in law.
“Our investment in emergency services far exceeds the revenue raised through the ESVF — with more than $2 billion invested this year to keep Victorians safe.”
The announcement has also come under fire from the CFA Volunteers Group, with president John Houston saying funding decisions had real consequences on the ground.
“Volunteers rely on a properly resourced professional fleet to respond to structure fires and complex incidents,” he said.
“That capability cannot be allowed to fall behind.
“Getting this right means backing every firefighter with the equipment they need, not just parts of the system.”
The CFA itself, however, has welcomed the announcement.
“This latest announcement represents an extraordinary investment by the Victorian Government and one that will make a substantial difference to the safety and comfort of our CFA members,” chief officer Jason Heffernan said.
“It will ensure our hard-working volunteers are well equipped with the most up-to-date, safe and modern facilities, vehicles and equipment to help protect lives and property in their community, now and well into the future.”
