Friday, 27 November 2020

Winnindoo Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer fire station in the Wellington Shire will be replaced under the $126 million CFA capability funding as part of the Victorian Government’s Fire Services Reform.

Many of the stations to be replaced are over 40 years old and will be upgraded to ensure they can meet the demands of growing townships and emerging weather threats well into the future.

The new buildings will include improved amenities for volunteers of all genders and provide greater access and facilities for members with disabilities, and include areas for meetings, training and other relevant needs.

Under the replacement program, facilities in Wellington will be modernised to provide adequate motor room space to accommodate their vehicles and emergency appliances.

Land has been secured. The new station at Winnindoo will replace a 36-year-old building.

The $126 million funding package was announced under the government’s Fire Services Reform in June 2020 to provide the CFA with greater capability in critical areas, such as funding for new volunteer training programs in health and safety and leadership and 50 new dual cab appliances with burn over defensive systems.

It also includes funding for a trial of respiratory equipment to protect volunteer firefighters from the harmful effects of bushfire smoke, new personal protective clothing for every active operational volunteer firefighter, as well as a range of station support measures.

This builds on the $100 million in additional funding the CFA has already received in the last four years to modernise its fleet and infrastructure.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville:

“As part of our fire reforms, we’re providing CFA with the critical funding and resources it needs to ensure the station in Winnindoo is ready for current and future fire seasons.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“Our CFA volunteers work tirelessly to protect their communities, so it’s important that they have the facilities they need to support the fire response.”