New fire station at Raymond Island

new satellite fire station has been officially opened at Raymond Island as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to upgrade or build 250 new fire stations.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull today opened the Raymond Island satellite fire station on behalf of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Bushfire Response Kim Wells.

Mr Bull said the station cost almost $208,000 and formed part of the Napthine Government’s investment of $125 million over the past three years to upgrade or build 250 CFA stations across the state.

“With work on all 250 of these stations complete, this program has been completed on time and more than $5 million under budget,” Mr Bull said

“The Raymond Island satellite fire station is a modern facility which has been designed to support the brigade and the island’s future needs.”

The new station provides the brigade’s Raymond Island members with a communications centre and a new kitchen and amenities.

Mr Bull said the station will help the Paynesville Fire Brigade increase community protection on Raymond Island.

“The government is proud of the vital work performed by almost 60,000 CFA volunteers who help protect 3.3 million Victorians, and more than one-million homes and properties across the state.

Mr Bull said the Napthine Coalition Government had worked hard to deliver significant investments for the region’s emergency services.

“CFA brigades are the heart of regional communities and I am proud to make this announcement to deliver this significant new station that will ensure Raymond Island is fire ready,” Mr Bull said.

“Since 2010, $2.29 billion in funding has been provided to Victoria’s fire agencies, more than any previous government.”

Mr Bull said this financial year the CFA Budget is $457 million, $58 million more than when Labor left office in 2010.

“Community safety is paramount, and the Coalition Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen Victoria’s emergency services and ensure all Victorians and their families are better protected,” Mr Bull said.