December 2021 Update

COVID related impacts have unfortunately had a significant impact on the Mobile Engagement Unit (MEU) project.

The MEU project is funded as part of the Donations Trust - Transformative Initiatives Program. The project has been funded $950 000 from this program, with the intent to deliver ten Mobile Engagement Units (MEU). Unfortunately delays and cost increases relatable to COVID now mean the project only has sufficient funding to deliver eight MEU.

The vehicle platform selected is the Ford Transit Custom 340L van. CFA have placed orders for eight of these vans, with production delays meaning an earliest estimated delivery date is February 2022. A tender process for the bodywork modifications for these eight (8) vans has now been completed. The expectation is that five MEU will be available for use in Spring 2022, with each region supplied one of the first five produced.

The remaining three MEU, if vehicle delivery and production schedules are not further impacted, should be available for members to use over the summer 2022/23 fire season. Discussion of options for how to allocate and manage these three MEU has commenced with regional representatives considering multiple suggested options.

The Working Group have recommended a preferred external design that incorporates some of the CFA traditional vehicle livery in a modern inviting design. This design has also been supported by the Project Executive, it is designed to be eye catching and tell the community about the role of the MEU is designed for.

The MEU is designed to be simple to operate and quick to set up. The design has an external facing large screen TV, compatible with all the supporting technology, placed to allow the best view for the community, connected and securely fixed in placed, to reduce any requirement to move it. A powerful audio system that will enable easier communication. All solar powered, with battery backup and a battery management system designed to recharge the batteries as you drive to the event. The design has plenty of storage space for larger items such as a marquee and smaller items like brochures.

The MEU will make any event you attend easier for you to manage and a better experience for the community.