Friday, 30 October 2020

As part of the Andrews Labor Govern Victorian Government’s $54 million investment in VICSES facility infrastructure, work will soon commence to deliver a fit-for-purpose facility for volunteers with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Emerald Unit

Harriet Shing, MLC for Eastern Victoria, today announced that the building of the facilities for the unit – one of the state’s busiest metropolitan units – will be taking place at 277-287 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald.

The new facilities will span 2,400 square metres and will support Emerald’s 65 active volunteers to train and prepare for emergencies. The building will also include five motor bays, administrative offices, a training room, wellbeing area for volunteers, and a turn out area to facilitate efficient operations.

The new facility will ensure the unit can expand their response to the growing community across the Cardinia Shire and continue to assist Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services now and into the future.

The relocation of the unit from Old Gembrook Road will further support responses to local incidents, while also providing additional space for training that will help with the retention and recruitment of new volunteers.

Servicing the community since 1986, VICSES Emerald volunteers are among the most active in Victoria, responding to more than 4,809 requests for assistance between July 2015 to June 2020.

FIMMA Constructions has been awarded the building contract, with the new facility due for completion in August 2021.

The Andrews Labor Government’s $54 million investment in VICSES capital works over the past three State Budgets is ensuring the state’s emergency services volunteers are equipped with the resources needed to support Victorian communities. These projects are delivered on behalf of the Government by the Community Safety Building Authority.

Quote attributable to Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville

“VICSES Emerald volunteers are some of the busiest in the state and with continued population growth in the area, we need to ensure they are well-equipped to continue supporting the community.”

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, MLC for Eastern Victoria

“We’ve worked closely with local communities and VICSES in developing this fit-for-purpose facility and it is wonderful to see it come to life.”

“The new VICSES Emerald site will deliver state of the art amenities to an SES base that is one of Victoria’s busiest and provide our dedicated volunteers with the equipment and space they need to effectively respond to incidents and continue to train and recruit volunteers.”