Appendix D: G-Wagen fire truck load list
Download a PDF copy of Appendix D: G-Wagen fire truck load list.
Appendix C: Audit scope and method
Download a PDF copy of Appendix C: Audit scope and method.
Appendix B: Abbreviations, acronyms and glossary
Download a PDF copy of Appendix B: Abbreviations, acronyms and glossary.
Appendix A: Submissions and comments
Download a PDF copy of Appendix A: Submissions and comments.
5. Fleet replacement
Fire authorities collectively need around $1.5 billion from 2024–25 to 2033–34 to make sure their fire trucks are fit for purpose, reliable and safe. But they only have around $390.4 million identified in current funding and future grants.
As part of the state Budget process, FRV and CFA have reduced the scope of their funding proposals and prioritised fleet replacement according to the highest service risks.
DEECA has sought only a small share of the funding it needs to replace its fire trucks, despite longstanding defects and safety risks.
4. Fleet maintenance
Fire authorities are not completing all their scheduled maintenance and only completing part of it on time. This reduces assurance that faults are found before fire trucks are used in emergencies.
FRV and DEECA have recorded an increase in unplanned repairs in recent years, which has reduced fleet availability below their target levels. This creates risks for service coverage and response readiness.
All fire authorities have gaps in condition and performance monitoring. This limits their ability to forecast maintenance demand and act before issues develop.
3. Fleet planning
CFA has a sound asset strategy for its firefighting fleet.
FRV's fleet planning is also sound, but its asset strategy and many of its planning documents are in draft form and incomplete.
DEECA has significant gaps in its fleet planning, development and quality assurance processes. This has led to widespread cracking across its fleet and DEECA operating overloaded and cracked fire trucks.
2. Our recommendations
We made 6 recommendations to address our findings. The relevant agencies have accepted the recommendations in full or in principle.
| Recommendation | Agency response(s) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finding: There are gaps in fire authorities’ fleet planning | ||||
All fire authorities
| ||||
1. Our key findings
What we examined
Our audit followed 2 lines of inquiry:
1. Are fire authorities planning and allocating their firefighting fleets to minimise risk to firefighters and the community?
2. Are fire authorities maintaining the condition of their firefighting fleets to ensure they are operable and safe?
To answer these questions, we examined:
Appendix C: Review scope and method
Download a PDF copy of Appendix C: Review scope and method.