There are multiple types of appliances needed in the CFS. Its sad to see that they are able to reduce it down to: 14, 34, 34P, Medium Pumpers and Tankers. Rural areas have differing needs. 34s are great from grassfires, open paddocks and the like, but are next to useless in large ares of the Mt. Lofty Rangers due to their height. This is the same with the current super tall 14s. The old 24 appliance was a great mix of size/water capacity, and I feel that its disappointing to see it being withdrawn.
The same applies to different Urban areas. We currently have an appliance built for a purpose by another fire service. It has a rear mounted pump, along with a single attack line. In the NSWFB, who run a great deal of flaked hose, this is not an issue, yet in the CFS, we very rarely have flaked preconnected hose on our appliances. Why the CFS was not able to consult the multiple brigades that require a decent pumper and come up with a good design is beyond me. Instead we end up with an import from the UK, a filtered of a prototype, a 'not so bad' import as standard, and plans to build a newer pumper for at least two brigades.
I'm sure I hope the CFS pulls its finger out and gets back on the journey in terms of appliances.