CFA refutes funding cut claims

In the midst of Victoria’s ongoing fire emergency, the Country Fire Authority has rejected claims that its funding has been reduced and that volunteers and brigades were not aptly prepared for this year’s fire season.

In a statement issued on behalf of the CFA Board and Chief Executive Greg Leach, the authority says its budget has increased every year since fire services reform in 2020, including an additional 20.3 million dollars in the current financial year.

The CFA says it also secured a further 11.6 million dollars in supplementary funding to boost readiness, including investment in strategic bulk water supply and a statewide “Get Fire Ready” community awareness campaign.

The statement concludes saying the CFA continues to prioritise support for frontline volunteers through investment in stations, appliances and protective equipment, while working with government to secure further funding as fire conditions remain challenging.