Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine were left without professional heavy rescue capability for at least 48 hours this week after the area’s only Fire Rescue Victoria heavy rescue truck broke down, sparking concerns about emergency response coverage as the region heads into its busiest period on the roads.
The specialist vehicle, based at Geelong City Fire Station, is essential for trench, rope and confined-space rescues, with the breakdown leaving the region reliant on volunteer SES crews who don’t have the training or equipment for those complex rescues, and backup vehicles that must travel from Werribee, Apollo Bay, Ballarat, Richmond or Warrnambool.
The United Firefighters Union said it was “extremely concerned” Geelong City was without a heavy rescue fire truck Tuesday through Thursday after rescue 63 broke down.
“While Victorians are paying the exorbitant Emergency Services Tax, trucks are breaking down and leaving firefighters unable to adequately respond to emergencies for whole sections of our community,” UFU Secretary Peter Marshall said.
“Not having the equipment needed even for a short amount of time puts lives at risk. You can’t predict an emergency. It’s that serious, and it needs to be treated that seriously.”
The union said the heavy rescue truck should have been replaced at least four years ago, adding it has been advocating for the replacement of these vehicles.
The UFU said the truck was pushed beyond its safe service life
