A $26 million Brumby Government boost will fast-track the construction and upgrade of 60 rural Country Fire Authority (CFA) stations over the next two years.
Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron announced the funding today, saying it will bring forward building schedules for CFA stations in some of the most severely fire-affected areas of Victoria and generate work in the construction industry during tough economic times.
Mr Cameron said features for the new stations would be determined by local needs and would include bigger areas to house vehicles, environmental design features, and meeting rooms which could be used by the broader community.
“These new stations will meet the growing needs of rural communities, some of which were severely affected by this year’s fires.”
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to building stronger communities in country Victoria and part of that is through providing modern, updated facilities to assist our CFA volunteers in doing their important work,” Mr Cameron said.
“These new stations will meet the growing needs of rural communities, some of which were severely affected by this year’s fires.”
Mr Cameron said the funding was part of a statewide Brumby Labor Government priority of supporting and upgrading Victoria’s emergency services.
“We will continue to invest in the crucial services that Victorian families need to ensure they are part of a strong and safe society and this funding to strengthen the great work of the CFA is another way we are doing that,” Mr Cameron said.
“Local volunteer agencies are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency service response and the Brumby Labor Government is proud to support the dedicated men and women who sacrifice so much to help keep our community safe.”
Mr Cameron said this year’s State Budget delivered a significant boost to Victoria’s emergency services including:
• $21.1 million to replace 87 CFA appliances over the next year;
• $10.3 million to replace 15 heavy rescue vehicles, seven four wheel drive vehicles, nine
rescue boats and 11 road crash rescue kits at VICSES Units across Victoria; and
• $10.3 million for 42 ultra light tankers.
Further to this, an investment of $20.7 million is being made to improve communication blackspots across the state, plus enhancements to the bushfire information line.
There are 30 rural stations in this year’s CFA budget and the CFA will determine another 30 for next year.
“Victoria’s expenditure per person on fire services is the highest in the nation,” Mr Cameron said.