200th Rural Station Upgrade

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Bushfire Response Kim Wells  today marked a significant milestone for Victoria’s fire services,  officially opening the 200th CFA station upgrade at Toolern Vale brigade.

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE

"The Victorian Coalition Government is building a better and safer  Victoria by supporting the CFA and ensuring its members have the  facilities, equipment and resources they need to do their job safely and  effectively,” Mr Wells said.

"As a show of this commitment, the Napthine Government remains on track to  deliver 250 CFA station upgrades by November this year as part of a $125  million investment, with 204 upgrades now complete.”

Joined by Liberal Candidate for Macedon Donna Petrovich at the opening, Mr  Wells said the upgrade would provide improved facilities for the brigade’s  members and increase their capacity to respond to emergencies locally and  across the state.

“Our emergency services volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s  emergency response,” Mr Wells said.

“The $445,000 refurbishment at Toolern Vale is a significant investment  which will provide enhanced working conditions for brigade members  including additional meeting facilities, more room for the brigade’s  vehicles as well as increased space for training.”

Ms Petrovich welcomed the new fire station for the local community and  acknowledged the work of CFA members who regularly respond to incidents  including grass and scrub fires, structure fires and motor vehicle  accidents.

“The Coalition Government recognises the dedication and service of the CFA  brigade unit and its 40 brigade members who provide a critical service for  the Toolern Vale community and surrounding areas,” Ms Petrovich said.

Mr Wells said among its members is former Toolern Vale Captain Craig Dunshae who  was recently chosen as one of 21 people from across the state to take part  in the inaugural CFA Chief Officer’s Leadership Development Program.

“For Craig, the program has provided him with an opportunity to enhance  and broaden his understanding, capability and confidence, and offer him  insights into the personal leadership styles of senior leaders within the  CFA,” Mr Wells said.

“I’d like to congratulate Craig on this wonderful achievement which I am  sure will serve him and the Toolern Vale brigade well in the future.”

Mr Wells said the Coalition Government has a strong commitment to  firefighters and has provided more funding to Victoria’s fire agencies  than any previous government

“Since coming to office in 2010, the Coalition Government has provided the  CFA with more than $2.29 billion. This financial year the CFA Budget is $457 million, $58 million more than under the last Labor budget,” Mr Wells  said.

“This record investment in the CFA highlights the Coalition Government's  strong commitment to the CFA and recognises the critical role our career  and volunteer firefighters play in keeping Victorians safe.

“The Coalition Government recently announced another significant boost to  the CFA’s emergency response capabilities, investing more than $29 million  in the purchase of 78 new vehicles.

“We have also allocated $20.5 million to replace Respiratory Protection  Equipment for CFA and MFB firefighters.

“Investments such the Toolern Vale brigade upgrade foster growth in rural  and regional Victoria and build on the Napthine Government’s significant  work to strengthen Victoria’s emergency services,” Mr Wells said.

Author: CFA Media