The Australian Army has today taken delivery of the last of 16 new Australian-designed and manufactured fire trucks on budget and ahead of schedule.

The vehicle was built by SEM Fire and Rescue in Ballarat, and was accepted on Defence’s behalf by Catherine King, Federal Member for Ballarat and Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport at a ceremony on site.

“The Government purchased 16 new rural fire trucks for the Army. SEM Fire and Rescue has now delivered all of them,” Mr Clare said. 

“These trucks replace our previous fleet of fire vehicles which have served our Army since the 1970s. The new trucks provide a modern fire fighting capability, essential in training and operations.

“The Australian Defence Force will be better equipped to respond to emergencies thanks to these new rural fire trucks.

“These Australian designed and built trucks have been completed within budget and five months ahead of schedule. They are Australian designed and built, and it shows in the quality of the trucks.”

“This is another example of Australian industry producing a quality product to support our troops.”

The project was strongly supported by local Member Catherine King.

“Today marks the successful completion of one of Ballarat’s biggest manufacturing contracts”, Ms King said.
“It has been an important project here in Ballarat, employing 120 people locally.

“I congratulate SEM Fire and Rescue for this great outcome. Well done to the workforce which has produced these fine fire engines. They are entitled to be proud of their work.”

The 16 fire trucks will be based at major Army locations around Australia and the ADF’s primary fire fighting training establishment in Queensland.

Media contacts:
Korena Flanagan (Office of Jason Clare) – 0418 251 316
Peter Dwyer (Catherine King) – 0409 866 054