THE Member for Northern Victoria Region, Wendy Lovell, has used the latest sitting of State Parliament to highlight the infrastructure needs of CFA stations in her electorate.
During the adjournment debate last week, Ms Lovell sought a commitment from the Minister for Emergency Services, Lisa Neville, that the upcoming State Budget will specifically include funding to refurbish or replace fire stations at Currawa, Yarrawonga, Strathbogie and Golden Square Fire Brigades.
Ms Lovell said the four fire stations are no longer suitable to house the respective brigades, with a lack of changerooms, no space for equipment and an inability to store trucks and tankers a common theme.
Funding for the upgrade and replacement of stations is organised through the Capital Works Program and funding for minor facility upgrades can be applied for under the annual Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) where the Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution up to $150,000.
According to a government spokesperson from Ms Neville’s office, the Government recently provided an additional $126 million for the CFA “to support volunteers, training and equipment”.
“This includes funding for the replacement of 50 firefighting appliances and new stations for volunteer brigades,” the spokesperson said.
“Government investment decisions are guided by CFA’s key operational priorities in funding its asset base.”
