The capacity of the CFA in the Yarra Valley has been boosted with the opening of the new $1.56 million Hillcrest fire station and group headquarters at Woori Yallock.
****Victorian Government Media Release****
Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Bushfire Response Kim Wells said the new fire station had been funded through the Rural Fire Station project and highlights the Victorian Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to build and upgrade rural fire stations in communities across the state.
“This new $1.56 million station is an investment in community safety and will ensure the Hillcrest CFA brigade is well equipped to perform critical work now and into the future,” Mr Wells said.
“This is a significant upgrade for the brigade, which attends around 150 callouts per year, with the building providing enough space to house a Forward Control Vehicle as well as Hillcrest’s appliances.
“It also features a 70,000-litre water tank, which reflects the brigade’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact, and incorporates the headquarters for the Yarra Valley Group of 11 brigades, providing a modern and safe base for the group to operate from.”
Mr Wells was joined by Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish at the official opening.
“This upgrade is a substantial commitment to the emergency services infrastructure of the local community and provides facilities that will enable the brigade to grow with the community as the Yarra Valley area continues to expand,” Ms McLeish said.
“This is further evidence of the Napthine Government’s strong commitment to firefighters, and I am pleased that CFA members in the Yarra Valley now have new facilities and an enhanced capacity to perform their vital work.”
Mr Wells said the Coalition Government has invested more than $125 million over the past three years to fulfil its commitment to build 250 new or upgraded CFA stations across the state.
“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,” Mr Wells said.
“The 2014-15 budget for the CFA is $457 million, $58 million more than under the last Labor Budget.”
The service of Hillcrest brigade members was also recognised at the ceremony, with Kenneth Burrows receiving CFA Life Membership after 30 years service.
Fourteen other members were awarded with service medals including four who received the National Medal.
“The Coalition Government recognises the dedication and service of these service award recipients who have provided a critical service for the local community and surrounding areas for many years,” Mr Wells said.
“Investments such as the Hillcrest CFA station foster growth in rural and regional Victoria and build on the Napthine Government’s significant work to strengthen Victoria’s emergency services.”
Hillcrest CFA service medal recipients May 2014
5 year Certificate: Beverley Croke, Sue Jack, Pete Jenkin, Paul Livesay
15 Years clasp to 10 year medal: Brendan Tierney, Alan Cousins
20 Years clasp to 10 year medal: Andrew Smith, John De Boer
25 Years clasp to 10 year medal: Colin Warne
CFA Life Membership: Kenneth Burrows (30 years)
National Medals: Rick Shaw (38 years), Kenneth Burrows (33 years), Tim Reid (29 years), Colin Warne (26 years)
*VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE*
Images by Keith Pakenham - CFA
Author: CFA Media