Station upgrades for Barongarook West and Dereel firefighters

Firefighters across western Victoria will share in a $365 million state government funding boost, announced as scrutiny intensifies over how crews were equipped during January's bushfires.

• The 2026-27 state budget allocates the cash to the Country Fire Authority and Forest Fire Management Victoria, with a mix of capital upgrades and frontline support.

Where the money’s going: The package includes $100 million for new firetrucks, $26.2 million for upgrades to fire stations including new builds, and $22.4 million for additional training, gear and wellbeing support for firefighters.

• Local brigades set to receive part of the $26.2 million for station upgrades are Barongarook West near Colac, and Dereel, between Colac and Ballarat.

• The $217 million Forest Fire Management Victoria funding includes 17 new assets such as heavy tankers, dozers and graders, as well as upgrades to the existing fleet.

• The cash will also increase investment in FFMV's aviation fire fleet and more planned burns and fuel management.

Pressure builds after January: The funding announcement follows months of calls from volunteer firefighters across western Victoria for greater government support, after January’s fires exposed challenges around ageing equipment, training gaps and limited resources.

It also comes as public hearings for the state’s inquiry into the January bushfires continue, with community members invited to address local MPs through open mic sessions.