Four additional new Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) units are set to be officially opened over the next week by the Allan Labor Government, in a major boost to the emergency response capability of the state.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes joined Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards, VICSES officials and volunteers at the opening of the first of the new units in Cranbourne.
VICSES unit openings will also take place in the growth areas of Officer, Point Cook and Aintree, helping strengthen emergency service infrastructure in these expanding communities.
These are the first newly established VICSES units to open since 2010 and represent a significant milestone for the volunteer service that responds to incidents like road accidents, trees down, building damage and flooding events.
The Labor Government has invested more than $38 million in building these four new units, making sure Victorians in growth areas have local emergency services to respond quickly.
Additional funding of almost $3 million has also been provided to give volunteers the vehicles and equipment they need to perform their important work. Each new unit will receive a medium rescue truck, a light rescue vehicle, a twin-cab support vehicle and a storm trailer.
The new Cranbourne Unit on Cranbourne-Frankston Road features six drive-through motor bays, a kitchen, training rooms and offices. The facility has sustainable features, including water tanks, solar panels and a backup generator.
It will also serve as a training base and meeting facility for other emergency services, including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.
Since its establishment, the Cranbourne unit's 41 active members have responded to more than 150 requests for assistance with storms, floods and rescues.
The facility has been designed to accommodate up to 90 volunteers to support a growing local population in the Casey region, which is expected to increase more than 60 per cent by 2030.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"Our VICSES volunteers go above and beyond to protect the communities they live in, and it's critical they have what they need to carry out their role."
"With demand increasing in our growth areas, it's vital we have the emergency services in place to make sure everyone is safe, no matter where they live."
As stated by Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards
"Cranbourne has seen rapid growth over the last few years and I'm very proud to officially open this new VICSES unit so that we can ensure the needs of this community are met."
