News 
Equipment & Infrastructure Committee 2 Minute Briefing
Issue 6, 10 August 2013
Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/08/2013)
RED PLATES PROGRESS
CFA have advised that the Department of Treasury and Finance and have now approved CFA’s request for an exemption of Stamp Duty for the transferring of brigade owned vehicles to Red Plates. This is a major milestone, and we are now only awaiting advice from VicRoads as to the request for a waiving of road worthy inspections that technically would be required during the changeover of plates. CFA has requested an exemption from the road worthy inspection pointing out that the change of plates is simply an administrative process, and not a change of vehicle ownership, and are also requesting that the new plates be sent to CFA in bulk and allow the fitting to be done through CFA’s local DMO workshops. These were two areas identified by the Joint Committee has having a major impact on volunteers, and the delegates are extremely grateful to CFA for pursuing both initiatives.
MEDIUM PUMPER PROTOTYPE
CFA have approved funding for a new Medium Pumper Prototype to be built during 13/14 which will be used to showcase recent developments being considered for the next generation Medium Pumpers. A state-wide roadshow is envisaged similar to that done with the Medium Tankers last year; that saw unprecedented volunteer involvement and feedback on the new designs. The Medium Pumper Working Party is progressing well on draft design and specifications, including a major review into the cab chassis, and the small gear that will be supplied as minimum stowage. A communications plan is being developed to begin introducing some of the proposed changes to members ahead of an eventual prototype, and the committee commended CFA on the high level of technical support & collaboration that has been provided by CFA officers to the Working Party to date. The support and assistance has been outstanding.
AERIAL PUMPER PROGRESS
The State training package for the new Aerial Pumpers, is now complete, and delivery of two of the four new appliances is now underway. A renewed focus to ensure volunteers at the four integrated brigades receiving these new appliances are both trained and utilised has now been agreed, with an affirmative action plan being developed for each location to ensure volunteers have equal access to the training and skills development required to operate them.
SAND TANKER PROGRESS
The Committee is reviewing evaluation of the Heavy Tanker prototype that has been fitted with an automated tyre inflation kit, for future use as a “sand tanker”. Under consideration also are modifications to the cab chassis that may provide greater opportunity to add more water - a frequent request by brigades who have to operate in sandy/desert environments. Options being considered are single/day bed cab chassis vs sleeper/twin cab configurations. There are pro’s and con’s to each, and the Working Party is currently evaluating the different designs. CFA has approved funding for a Sand Tanker prototype to be developed during the 13/14 production run.
