Lib Nats to build new CFA station
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Lib Nats to build new CFA station

Bairnsdale’s volunteer firefighters will get the new fire station they have been waiting for, if the Liberal Nationals are elected next month.
 
After a series of meetings with Bairnsdale Fire Brigade members, Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull has committed $2.2 million to build the new Hosie Street station, ending a long period of uncertainty.
 
“The station is more than 90 years old, doesn’t offer the brigade any room to expand and is situated in the busy central business district, which becomes a safety issue with so much traffic passing at all times of the day,” Mr Bull said.
 
“It is a location steeped in history and fond memories of great community service, but the time has come where it is not fit for purpose.”
 
Brigade Captain Aaron Lee said he was appreciative of the support offered by Mr Bull over a long period.
 
“A new station would allow us to have faster response times – a lot of our members work and live at that end of town, so it will be of greater benefit to the community. It gives us a greater training capacity and will help us facilitate new appliances in the future,” Capt Lee said.
 
“The current location is a problem in particular, given the brigade has experienced an increased number of callouts, so it is pleasing the Liberal Nationals have made this commitment.”
 
Mr Bull said he had sought a commitment towards a new station on various occasions, raising the matter with the Minister in written correspondence and directly in State Parliament.
 
“For some time now this has been ignored by the Andrews Labor Government, despite this being the highest priority within the south-east CFA region,” he said.
 
“I have worked with the brigade to seek a financial commitment from the Andrews Government towards this station, but Labor has refused to support our local CFA and better facilities for our volunteers.”
 
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull, Bairnsdale Fire Brigade Captain Aaron Lee and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Brad Battin at the announcement this morning.
 
Monday, October 22, 2018