Ms Cleeland said the major concerns raised by the local brigades in recent discussions related to funding insecurity, a lack of government support, their ageing fleet of vehicles, and declining volunteer numbers.
She thanked all the local brigades for their dedication to keeping their communities safe and encouraged all volunteers to make a submission through the survey.
"This survey will allow me to gather your feedback on government support and your experience on the job so that I can advocate for the improvements needed to support your vital work.“
The survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6HMZBK6
Largest solar farm approved
The Victorian Government has given the green light for construction on Victoria’s largest solar farm to begin.
Hazelwood North Solar Farm in the Latrobe Valley has been granted planning permit approval for a 450 megawatt capacity solar farm that will power about 150,000 homes.
The $651 million project will create about 500 construction jobs and would be larger than any solar farm currently operating in the state.
The project includes provision for a large 450 megawatt, four-hour battery energy storage facility that will store solar power during the day and feed it into to the grid when it’s needed.
Green plane fuel could take off
Australia could become a major supplier for greener plane fuel after finance, farming and fuel firms signed a deal to investigate its production.
The partnership between Ampol, GrainCorp and IFM Investors is expected to speed up progress on a study into a Brisbane renewable fuels facility and feedstocks for it.
Sustainable aviation fuel is in high demand worldwide after major airlines committed to using the fuel to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and after forecasts that it could add $2.8 billion to Australia’s economy by 2030.
Ampol is studying the potential for a renewable fuels facility at its Lytton refinery in Brisbane’s south, which could produce sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, tallow, canola and cooking oils.
“An Australian renewable fuel-refining industry will build a valuable new domestic market for our nation’s growers and feedstock producers with the benefits flowing on to regional communities and consumers,” GrainCorp chief executive Robert Spurway said.
