Friday, 13 December 2024
New VICSES Unit Open IN AINTREE
Four additional new Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) units have been officially opened by the Allan Labor Government, in a major boost to the emergency response capability of the state.
Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch joined VICSES officials and volunteers at the opening of one of the new units in Aintree.
VICSES unit openings have also taken place in the growth areas of Cranbourne, Point Cook and Officer, 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 Aintree Unit on Fields Street 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 also will serve as a modern training base for members, providing fit-for-purpose facilities for volunteers to provide their critical service to the community.
Since its establishment, the Aintree unit’s 41 active members have responded to more than 65 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 Melton region, which is expected to increase more than 58 per cent by 2030.
Quotes attributable to Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
“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.”
“Aintree is expected to see rapid growth over the next few years and it’s a privilege to officially open this new VICSES unit so that we can ensure the needs of this community are met.”
