Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, pictured with Bemm River community members at the opening of the new $560,000 CFA Station.
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull today officially opened the new $560,000 CFA station at Bemm River and handed over the keys to a new 4WD, enhancing emergency response capabilities for the brigade and local community.
Mr Bull said the investment highlights the Napthine Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to increasing community protection across regional and rural Victoria.
“The new station is the first purpose built station for the brigade, which has been serving the local community since the 1970s, and it will ensure volunteers have access to the latest specialist equipment and resources to increase protection for our region and boost their own personal safety.
“Responding to fires and other emergencies including search and road rescue, this new facility will provide an important infrastructure asset that will protect life and property for many years to come.”
The 3-bay station features new amenities and improved meeting facilities that can be used by the local community, and also features a permanent back-up generator.
Mr Bull said that the Coalition Government has also provided a new slip-on unit for Bemm River, which has been partially funded through a grant from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) program.
“This new $67,000 slip-on unit is vital to the Bemm River fleet as it is more manoeuvrable than the larger trucks and can respond rapidly as a first response vehicle,” Mr Bull said.
Mr Bull said the Coalition Government supported CFA brigades and other volunteer emergency services organisations through programs such as the VESEP.
”In 2014-15, the Government is matching last year’s record investment of $12.23 million in VESEP, for the acquisition of additional emergency services vehicles, operational equipment and upgraded amenities, like Bemm River’s new 4WD.
“Of this, CFA have received grants and initiatives worth close to $9 million.”
Mr Bull said the Coalition Government was proud to support the almost 60,000 CFA volunteers who work across more than 1,200 brigades protecting their fellow Victorians.
“This financial year the CFA Budget is $457 million, $58 million more than when Labor left office in 2010,” Mr Bull said.
“Community safety is paramount, and the Coalition Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen Victoria’s emergency services and ensure all Victorians and their families are better protected.”
