The Minister for Emergency Services, Hon. Jane Garrett MP, visited Edithvale Fire Brigade on Tuesday 10 March to receive a personal briefing on the progress towards realising the government's commitment of $2.5 million for a new fire station for the brigade
In the presence of Tim Richardson MP, Member for Mordialloc, CFA CEO Michael Wootten, Operations Officer Cliff O'Connor and brigade members, the Minister affirmed the government's commitment to build the new station and in doing so provide the brigade with contemporary facilities that appropriately accommodate its growth in membership and accommodate modern fire trucks commensurate with the brigade's current and future service delivery requirements.
The visit also provided the Minister with an opportunity to meet John Hennessey who sold his property to CFA ahead of a range of attractive offers from developers in order to realise a new fire station for the brigade. John has been a long-term neighbour and supporter of the brigade and continues to live in the property until building is ready to commence.
An inspection of the site also provided the Minister and CEO with an appreciation of the need for the new fire station to be unique, having regard for the undulating land and local environment. The Minister also confirmed during her visit and address to members the government's commitment to presumptive legislation and also provided an overview of the current status of this and deliberations around the continuance of volunteer brigade involvement in EMR, which the Minister acknowledged provided significant benefit to the community.
The visit also coincided with regular EMR training at the brigade being facilitated by Ambulance Victoria and also the continuance of recruit assessments both of which the Minister observed first hand. Edithvale Captain, Graham Fountain, "acknowledged the foresight and commitment of the Andrews Labor Government in providing this funding and in particular the role of Local Member Tim Richardson in advocating and driving this initiative at Government level and in his capacity as Chair of the Project Control Board. In thanking the Minister for her time and support of this project he noted this is an exciting time and opportunity for the brigade and coupled with the planned allocation of upgraded modern fire appliances will enhance the Brigades ability to better serve the community", Fountain added.
The Project Team consisting of representatives from City of Kingston, CFA and Brigade will now progress the development of the initial stages of the project (up to Town Planning Stage) within three months, consistent with the determination of the Project Control Board meeting last week.
Author: Peter Tripp