Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino has announced 230 new grants as part of the 2018-19 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

The program funds operational equipment in addition to vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility upgrades.

Under the VESEP, the Labor Government matches every dollar paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution – this year increasing the maximum contribution from $100,000 to $150,000.

Contributions this year include:

• almost $9.8 million for volunteer Country Fire Authority brigades
• more than $2.1 million for State Emergency Service units
• more than $315,000 for Marine Search and Rescue, including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
• almost $800,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs
• almost $340,000 for other volunteer agencies.

For more information about the VESEP, visit the Emergency Management Victoria website at emv.vic.gov.au.