Return to normal view

$26 Million Boost for New CFA Stations

A $26 million government boost will fast-track the construction and upgrade of 60 rural Country Fire Authority (CFA) stations over the next two years.

Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron announced the funding today, saying it will bring forward building schedules for CFA stations in some of the most severely fire-affected areas of Victoria and generate work in the construction industry during tough economic times.

Mr Cameron said features for the new stations would be determined by local needs and would include bigger areas to house vehicles, environmental design features, and meeting rooms which could be used by the broader community.

“We will continue to invest in the crucial services that Victorian families need to ensure they are part of a strong and safe society and this funding to strengthen the great work of the CFA is another way we are doing that,” Mr Cameron said.

The funding is part of a statewide government priority to support and upgrade Victoria’s emergency services.

This year’s state budget delivered a significant boost to Victoria’s emergency services including:

• $21.1 million to replace 87 CFA appliances over the next year
• $10.3 million to replace 15 heavy rescue vehicles, seven four wheel drive vehicles, nine rescue boats and 11 road crash rescue kits at VICSES units across Victoria
• $10.3 million for 42 ultra light tankers.

Further to this, an investment of $20.7 million is being made to improve communication blackspots across the state, plus enhancements to the bushfire information line.