As a result of the ongoing fire emergency in NSW and Queensland, additional resources have been deployed from East Gippsland to assist, including seven CFA tankers as well as volunteer Firefighters from the Heyfield, Stratford, Bairnsdale, Mt Taylor, Johnsonville, Sarsfield, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance brigades.  

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull has acknowledged the selfless dedication of those involved in supporting the fire ravaged communities in NSW and Queensland.

“I would particularly like to thank all the employers who have generously released our volunteer Firefighters to respond to the NSW bushfires,” said Mr Bull. 

“Some of these employers’ businesses are, ironically, engaged in the native timber industry which the Andrews Labor Government last week shamefully announced it would close down to appease inner urban elites.   

“To the volunteers, thank you and well done for stepping up during this time of interstate need.

“With potentially “catastrophic” fire weather having been forecast for parts of New South Wales and Queensland we know the presence of our Firefighters will bolster their morale and operational readiness, just as they have willingly done for us in major bushfires in the past.     

“I wish all of our Victorian crews good luck and look forward to their safe return.”