New Fire Station opened in Tolmie

FROM THE MINISTER FOR POLICE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
DATE: Sunday, May 20, 2007

The Minister for Police & Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, today officially opened a new fire station in Tolmie, North East Victoria – an area hit hard by last season’s bushfires.

Mr Cameron said the Tolmie Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade has about 70 volunteer members and has served the local community for more than 55 years.

“The new fire station at Tolmie delivers on the commitment we made to Victorians to meet the challenges of the future and invest in the services that matter to their families,” Mr Cameron said.

“We promised to support our volunteers and strengthen their capacity to respond to emergencies, and today we are delivering.

“The Tolmie area was badly burnt during last season’s fires, with about 12,160 hectares burnt – representing more than 40 per cent of the brigade’s response area.

“Five homes were lost and brigade members did an extraordinary job to prevent further losses.”

In the past year, the brigade has been called out 34 times – compared to a previous annual average of between five and eight call-outs.

As drought conditions continue in regional Victoria, investment in new infrastructure is vital.

The new station includes a motor room with two truck bays, a large turn-out area, a storeroom, a kitchen and a multi-purpose area that will be made available for broader community use.

Emergency services received a boost in this year’s Budget.

The Budget includes $73 million for emergency services initiatives – including $9.8 million for 18 new and upgraded CFA stations, and two MFB stations.