Victoria's Aging Firefighting Fleet in Crisis: $1.5 Billion Upgrade Needed

Victoria's firefighting fleet is in dire need of an overhaul, with a staggering $1.5 billion required to upgrade and replace the state's aging fire trucks. A recent report has found that over 60 per cent of the state's fire trucks are more than 15 years old, despite recommendations that they be replaced at that age.

Investment Shortfall

The audit revealed that only $390.4 million has been allocated in grant and budget funds so far, a shortfall of over $1 billion. "It clearly shows that we have more work to do," Premier Ben Carroll said.

United Firefighter Union boss Peter Marshall expressed concern that the current state of the firefighting fleet puts crews at risk. "Those persons responsible for the budget cutting, the cost cutting, allowing firefighters to use equipment that was just not suitable and dangerous, they should be made accountable," Mr Marshall said.

Cracking Issue

The audit also found a widespread cracking issue among trucks managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) had "put firefighters at direct risk". The cracking problem became so widespread DEECA had to suspend more 54 per cent of its own fleet — nearly 350 trucks — ahead of the 2025-26 summer.

Funding Requests

Former state treasurer Jaclyn Symes defended her record, stating that fiscal responsibility was necessary and that there was no "special treatment" for some organisations in need of state funding. "[All government agencies] are asked to make sure that they bid for what they need, not necessarily everything that they want, because it's difficult decisions that need to be made," she said.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the restrictions on Victorian fire services was proof the current government had "not managed the finances." Emergency Services Shadow Minister Danny O'Brien acknowledged the investment required was "a very big figure" and that the opposition would have further announcements on this topic soon. "We have been working on this for sometime, to trying to work out how we can afford to modernise our firefighting fleet," he said.