Moe South CFA will be better equipped to fight fire and protect the local community thanks to major upgrades to its fire station and a new $310,000 firefighting vehicle.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing represented the Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett on Saturday to celebrate the completion of a major upgrade of Moe South Fire Station.

The newly refurbished station is a modern facility. It provides a better environment for brigade members and more space for fire preparedness activities and other community meetings.

Since Black Saturday the Moe South community has rallied to build and strengthen the brigade’s firefighting capacity.

Today its 43 members protect the communities of Moe South, Hernes Oak, Narracan and Coalville as well as supporting other brigades across the Latrobe Valley.

Ms Shing presented the brigade with the keys to a new Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van, which is fitted with technology that will enable firefighters to activate ground communications in the quickest possible time in the event of a fire.

The vehicle features three workstations, each with radios, telephone, cabin mounted mobile phone, shared fax/copier/printer, magnetic whiteboard, a fridge and a microwave.

The $310,000 van will be a key operations vehicle for major incidents across three CFA districts.

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, Member of Eastern Victoria:

“Moe South CFA members do an incredible job and with their upgraded station and new firefighting vehicle, they will be better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to incidents.”

“The improved facilities will provide a bigger and better base for the 43 brigade members who protect Moe South and the surrounding areas.”

“The refurbished station is a major improvement for Moe South’s firefighters and its local community who use station for fire preparedness and other community activities.”