Buninyong MP Geoff Howard handed over the keys for a $94,000 ford transit vehicle which was the result of a government grant. 

The unit has been specially fitted out to deal with incidents involving liquified petroleum gas or liquified natural gas and is the first in the state to be fitted with new LPG burner technology. 

Sebastopol Fire Brigade Captain Ben Carey said the vehicle can cover areas up to Stawell and Ararat, across to Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh. He said the multi-purpose vehicle, including portable mobile lighting and salvage equipment, is an expansion in response to community growth. 

Sebastopol Fire Brigade secretary Tony Brady said the grant has been about a five year project.

“The brigade has provided LPG support for over 20 years starting off with a trailer. The grant constituted two thirds of the cost and the other third of it was raised by the brigade through community contributions,” he said.

Mr Howard said it was vital the volunteer brigades who play a vital role in protecting lives have access to state of the art technology. 

“I would like to express my thanks to all the volunteers at Sebastopol CFA for the outstanding work they do providing a continuous emergency response and support to the wider community,” he said.