Volunteers from the Tallangatta, Mitta and Corryong units were aghast at the news of Towong Council’s intentions.

It was early June and the shire had decided to end its $32,340 contribution to the units, part of $194,000 in savings made by the council in its most recent budget

The anger was so palpable among unit members that it prompted one councillor to suggest the Victorian government needed to provide 100 per cent of funding to the organisation.

That was instead of a 50-50 split with councils. And as one volunteer pointed out at the time, the units often did the council’s work for it – such as clearing fallen trees.

There is no doubt the financial difficulties created for the units could have a significant impact.

The SES is one of those organisations very much taken by granted in some quarters.

After all, if your house is damaged in a storm or other major natural disaster, it’s the first call many make.

Of course the ordinary people on the ground greatly appreciate what they do – it’s why people no doubt put their hand up to become a trained volunteer.

Towong though wasn’t the first council to indicate it wanted out. SES boss Steve Griffin previously told The Border Mail how other councils were also looking at abandoning their funding.

Instead, he pleaded for another year of funding from councils to provide time for the preparation of a new funding formula.

Towong has now said it will leave the door open to a possible extension of its funding for the units.

But that is with the proviso that the Victorian government actually sets a deadline for taking over such funding.

As mayor David Wortmann quite rightly says: “If you know that expense is going to end in 12 months’ time you can budget for it.”

Towong is doing its utmost to make that happen, having arranged a meeting with Treasurer Tim Pallas in Melbourne over the issue.

This is an extremely welcome development that should give our much-valued SES units some genuine hope.

What’s needed now is a clear commitment from the government that it is willing to head down this path.