THE state government will take over funding for the SES, providing certainty to the emergency service.
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Treasurer Tim Pallas announced $14.9 million in the 2017-18 budget for operational costs for SES units across the state, replacing the former model where local councils would provide about 50 per cent of the funding.
Several rural councils raised the prospect of reducing or eliminating their funding to the SES after rate capping was introduced in Victoria.
Councils will no longer have to foot the bill.
The state government will also investigate long-term leases for SES land, usually located on council-owned land.
In the budget papers, the government signaled its intention to fund the units into the future.
“This funding will also assist to secure Victorian SES units’ tenancy on council-owned properties and aligns with the government’s investment in headquarters and critical assets,” the budget reads.