Local fire brigades have lost their longstanding fire equipment maintenance contract with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, which provided a valuable source of income for their work.
The council has instead awarded the tender to a private contractor, Bendigo-based Elliots Fire and Safety Services.
For decades, qualified volunteer technicians from Macedon Ranges CFA brigades have serviced fire extinguishers, hose reels and other fire safety equipment at council facilities. The arrangement ensured that money spent on fire equipment maintenance was reinvested into local emergency services.
Kyneton Fire Brigade captain Greg McIntyre said his brigade was disappointed to lose the contract.
“We believe we’ve done a good job there and we’re saddened to lose that contract, which provided us with much-needed funds for development of our future equipment and services to support the community,” he said.
“It significantly affects our financial position as our fire equipment maintenance services provide us with a substantial income.”
Council’s director of assets and operations, Dom Testoni, said the new contract followed a public tender process covering all emergency services equipment, not just the fire-specific equipment previously maintained through the CFA.
“Like any building owner, council has a responsibility to regularly maintain emergency services equipment within its buildings,” Mr Testoni said.
“This essential equipment – ranging from fire hydrants and sprinklers to exit signage – supports the safety of buildings, patrons and the broader community.
“Previously, council procured Bendigo-based CFA Fire Equipment Maintenance, which often subcontracted work to local CFA brigades.
“Council took the opportunity to review its approach to consolidate costs and improve efficiency, publicly tendering a revised contract to maintain all emergency services equipment, not just fire-specific equipment.”
Mr Testoni said CFA Fire Equipment Maintenance submitted a non-conforming tender because it did not demonstrate the capacity to fulfil the full scope of the new contract.
“Council can confirm that Bendigo-based CFA Fire Equipment Maintenance tendered and were recently notified of being unsuccessful, having submitted a non-conforming tender that did not include the capacity to complete all requirements of the contract, having sought to only continue servicing fire-specific equipment,” he said.
Mr McIntyre said the loss of the contract would have significant implications for the brigade’s ability to fund future equipment purchases, including the replacement of Kyneton’s ageing tanker and pumper.
Both vehicles have exceeded the CFA’s service benchmarks of 15 and 20 years respectively, but remain essential to protecting the greater Kyneton region.
Under current funding arrangements, new fire trucks can only be purchased through the state government, with local brigades required to contribute one-third of the total cost. The price of a new medium tanker has increased by $100,000 in the past year and now costs about $620,000.
Despite the setback, Mr McIntyre said the brigade remained committed to providing fire equipment maintenance services to local homes and businesses.
“We really appreciate the support of local businesses who use our services,” he said.
Businesses and residents seeking fire equipment servicing can contact the brigade on email at fem@kynetoncfa.com.