The West Australian government-owned utilities corporation, Western Power, has opened applications for its annual grants program to assist local bush fire brigades.
The state’s volunteer bush fire brigades are invited to share in $80,000 worth of grants to assist with preparations for the upcoming bushfire season, with Western Power’s CEO Paul Italiano saying community safety is a shared responsibility.
“Western Power’s annual grants program is specifically designed to enable volunteer brigades to purchase equipment that will help keep communities safe,” he said.
“Our frontline response crews work side-by-side with firefighters in emergency situations to make the area safe and to restore power during times of crisis – and these grants recognise the tremendous effort of the state’s volunteer firefighters who work tirelessly throughout the bushfire season to protect lives and property.”
Since establishing the grants in 2007, Western Power has contributed more than $560,000 to help resource firefighting services.
“Western Power awarded 26 grants to volunteer bush fire brigades last year that went towards the purchase of essential firefighting equipment including water pumps, respirators, emergency generators and water tanks,” Mr Italiano said.
In partnership with Western Australia’s emergency services agencies, Western Power also supports the Are You Bushfire Ready? community safety campaign.
Volunteer bush fire brigade funding requests are assessed by panel including representatives from Western Power, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades.
