Cracking firetrucks, $1b funding shortfall identified in Victorian audit
Victoria's auditor has found $1.5 billion dollars is needed to provide critical upgrades to the state's fleet of aging fire trucks, with more than 1,600 CFA trucks needing replacement by 2034.
Victoria's auditor-general has reported that a $1.5 billion investment is needed to maintain and replace the state's aging fire trucks, with only $390.4 million allocated so far, resulting in a funding shortfall of over $1 billion. The report, released on Wednesday, found that almost 60% of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) trucks are more than 15 years old, despite recommendations to replace them at that age.
Premier Ben Carroll acknowledged the need for further investment and the opposition has promised to modernize the state's fire trucks. The audit also revealed a widespread cracking issue among trucks managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), which had to suspend 54% of its fleet ahead of the 2025-26 summer, putting firefighters at direct risk.
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