- Published:
- Thursday 14 November 2024
The Allan Labor Government has secured land to rebuild Heathcote’s VICSES and CFA facilities – making sure local hardworking volunteers have the base they need to keep Victorians safe.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes joined volunteers to announce the new co-located facility will be built on Herriot Street – which was chosen by both CFA and VICSES.
The current CFA and VICSES facilities in Heathcote were severely affected in the October 2022 floods and both agencies are facing growing demand as the Heathcote area grows.
The new facility, which has been designed in consultation with CFA and VICSES will provide space for their combined 70 volunteer members to respond, train and plan for future emergencies.
The facility will feature seven drive-through motor bays and two ancillary sheds. Each agency will have its own administrative offices, turnout areas, laundry and stand down area as well as shared facilities that include a large training room, kitchen and storage areas.
Heathcote CFA Fire Brigade has a long and proud history in Heathcote, operating since 1902 and with 45 members.
The brigade has attended many significant fire events, including the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, the Gippsland Fires in 2019/20, and floods in 2010/11 and 2022.
The Heathcote VICSES Unit was established in 1985 and currently has 25 volunteers who respond to a significant number of road crash rescues along the Northern Highway every year, with 172 requests for assistance a year.
More than $23 million has been provided by the Labor Government for the new emergency services hubs in Heathcote and Rochester, which also sustained flood damage.
While our emergency services prepare for the fire season, Victorians are urged to have their fire and emergency plans ready and to prepare for the risks of grass and bushfires, as well as storms and floods.
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“Our emergency services work as one and this fantastic new facility will ensure they can keep working together to keep Victorians safe.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“When emergencies hit their community, Heathcote’s volunteers drop everything to protect it. Not only will this new hub help existing firefighters and VICSES, it will help attract new volunteers to a rewarding job keeping their community safe.”