A new $5.84 million CFA station to service Melbourne’s outer east has been officially opened today (Sunday 25 May) by Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Bushfire Response Kim Wells.
****Victorian Government Media Release****
“This new integrated CFA station in Rowville will strengthen the brigade’s capacity to respond to emergencies and service a fast-growing region of more than 38,000 people,” Mr Wells said.
“This is a significant investment in community safety for Rowville and surrounding areas and will ensure the brigade is well equipped to continue performing its critical work protecting lives and property.
“Victoria’s firefighters deserve the best tools available, and this new station will enhance the brigade’s ability to respond efficiently and effectively to emergencies.
“The new site and station will meet the needs of future generations of firefighters and provide improved working conditions for career and volunteer brigade members who service this area.”
Station facilities include accommodation for staff, a four-bay drive-through motor room, meeting rooms, a staff day room, brigade offices, training yard and car park.
Mr Wells was joined by Member for Ferntree Gully Nick Wakeling, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Bruce Atkinson and Federal Member for Aston, Alan Tudge at the official opening, where a new pumper truck was also handed over to the brigade.
“This $765,000 Heavy Pumper appliance has been built to maximise safety and will ensure firefighters are equipped to respond safely to emergencies,” Mr Wakeling said.
“The new Rowville fire station and heavy pumper are a significant investment in community safety and form part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to ensuring our firefighters have the tools, resources and support they need to do their job,” Mr Atkinson said.
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 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.
“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.
“The Napthine Government is proud of the vital work performed by the more than 55,000 CFA volunteers, who help protect 3.3 million Victorians and more than one million properties across the state,” Mr Wells said.
“This investment highlights the Coalition Government’s commitment to Victoria’s fire agencies and recognises the critical role our firefighters play in keeping people and property safe.”
Related story about Rowville moving to 24/7 staffing.
Images by Keith Pakenham - CFA
Author: CFA Media