Budget sparks vital upgrades at Woodvale Fire Brigade

THE Woodvale Fire Brigade, located just off the Loddon Valley Highway north west of Bendigo, will share in $26.2 million from the Victorian Budget 2026/27 to upgrade its well-worn facilities.

The brigade, which was formed in 1932 after local residents used the rudimentary method of breaking a large branch from a tree and dragging it along the ground to put out a fire, currently operates out of a basic twin tin shed setup.

Other commitments made via the state government’s latest budget include $100 million for new CFA tankers and pumpers and $22.4 million for more wellbeing support, training and new protective gear.

An additional $217 million will back Victoria’s forest firefighters via the purchase of 17 new assets including heavy tankers, dozers and graders, upgrades to the vehicle fleet, securing the aviation fire fleet and conducting more planned burns and fuel management.

Emergency services minister Vicki Ward said the budget pledges mean emergency services volunteers can keep doing their vital work for years to come.

“Our volunteer and forest firefighters are on the frontline, protecting us when we need it most,” she said.

“We’ll keep delivering the equipment and facilities they need to keep Victorians safe.”

Minister for Environment Enver Erdogan said: “Whether it’s crews in the air or on the ground, we’re making sure our hardworking fire services are ready.”

Victoria is known to be one of the most fire-affected areas in the world, with more severe fire disasters beginning to happen more often.