The new $2.58 million Carrum Downs CFA fire station was officially opened today by Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny MP representing Emergency Services Minister James Merlino.
Carrum Downs CFA had operated out of its former station for more than 40 years and the brigade was due for a significant upgrade.
The brigade has a proud 74 year history and this new station will ensure the Brigade meets the needs of the community and caters for the growing demand for CFA services.
CFA Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Trevor Owen said the new, modern station was needed to ensure the south-east Melbourne brigade could maintain its service to the booming local community.
“Carrum Downs is one of the busiest volunteer brigades in the state — the brigade responds to up to 500 incidents each year,” Mr Owens said.
“Although the process of finding a new home for the brigade has been exhausting, the new station in the centre of Carrum Downs will ensure that the brigade can continue to provide excellent service to Carrum Downs and the surrounding peri-urban areas of Frankston, Patterson River, Skye and Hampton Park.”
“This is a major win for the community and CFA. The $2.58 million commitment from the State Government is a testament to the service Carrum Downs CFA provides to its community.”
The new station is part of a range of measures rolled out by the Victorian Government to support volunteer firefighters, including the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, the Valuing Volunteers Program, as well as the new $10 million Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program.
Also attending the station opening was Carrum Downs Brigade Captain Stephen Rhodes and Frankston Mayor Colin Hampton.