The government allocated $145,000 for the purchase of a new category 7 pumper.

RFS superintendent Chris Wallbridge said the funding is part of regular allocations that are shared around the various brigades each year.

“We upgrade the vehicles regularly and this grant is part of that. It covers the full cost of a brand new pumper. It is ready to go from the time we get it but we will add a few little extras as well,” he said.

“It is a program with the local council where we buy one new truck each year and this goes to a different brigade in the Glen Innes area each time.”

Further funding was also announced for the Glencoe, Mt Mitchell and Kings Plains RFS brigades. Mr Wallbridge said they have been allocated the funds to install amenities at their stations.

In addition the New England Fire Control Centre in Armidale will receive $235,000.