The Dandenong Ranges are set to receive a major boost to emergency services, following the announcement of a new $1.35 million station in Selby on Friday.
The station will be located at the same site as the current Selby station, on Belgrave-Gembrook road.
Plans for the state-of-the-art, three-bay station are being finalised, with demolition works expected to start before the end of this year. The new station will be completed in 2019.
The station is set to include a number of new features, including more truck space, separate office, meeting room and kitchens, and areas for training and community gatherings.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino was on hand to announce the new station on Friday.
“The volunteers at Selby Fire Brigade desperately need bigger and better facilities, which is why we are funding a new fire station,” Merlino said.
“The new building will have more space to store appliances and other key equipment, ensuring members have the modern base they need to respond to incidents and keep the Selby community safe.
“The government is continuing to invest heavily in the state’s fire services, funding the infrastructure, training and equipment that our volunteer and career firefighters need.”
The new station is one of five being funded out of an additional $60 million the government has announced for the state’s fire services.
Selby Fire Brigade was established in 1926, and currently has 47 volunteer members.