Which means extra assured funds will circulate to the hearth brigades sooner or later: the annual allocation shall be elevated from the present 90 million euros to 140 million euros. Together with the extra 20 million euros in federal funds already authorized in 2022, the hearth brigades might have 160 million euros extra per 12 months at their disposal sooner or later.
The current storms and floods have brought on extreme harm in lots of areas of Austria, mentioned Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) within the press lobby following the cupboard assembly. “We stand in solidarity with these affected.” However phrases alone is not going to assist, so the funds are being elevated, mentioned the top of the division.
This may guarantee “that the hearth brigades have planning safety for the procurement of emergency gear and that they’ll no less than meet their annual investments,” says the corresponding ministerial presentation.
Funds for planning safety
Infrastructure and Setting Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) mentioned that it had been seen that the pure disasters had “brutal penalties” and that the implications have been dramatic. The present storms would place a substantial amount of stress on the emergency companies, whom she thanked for his or her perseverance and “actually tireless readiness”. The rise in funds would offer the required planning safety, Gewessler confused.
The federal government invoice will now be submitted to the Nationwide Council and is anticipated to be authorized within the plenary session of the Nationwide Council earlier than the summer time, Gewessler’s workplace informed APA.
34,000 extra missions in 2023 than in 2022
The Austrian Federal Fireplace Brigade Affiliation was happy with the rise, which was additionally mandatory as a result of intensification of operations. In 2023, round 34,000 extra – primarily technical – operations have been documented than in 2022. “We’re prepared for motion across the clock – that is partly resulting from our dedicated members, but additionally to the fashionable gear. Assist for our inhabitants can solely be assured if these automobiles and gear may be bought,” mentioned Fireplace Chief Robert Mayer.
He additionally thanked the volunteer members for his or her tireless efforts over the previous few days following the extreme storms and floods in components of Austria. “It makes me proud to see what these ladies and men do day by day with out being paid for it.”
