ALP promises fire station

REEFTON Country Fire Authority is the latest brigade to earn an election promise.
Emergency Services Minister Tim Holding announced last week that the Bracks Government would build a $400,000 CFA station in Reefton if re-elected.
This follows Mr Holding’s announcement the previous week that the Warburton CFA would get a $1.6 million building if Labor is returned to power.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said the rebuilding of both CFA stations, expected to cost $2 million, would ensure the Upper Yarra community was well serviced.
“It’s vital our dedicated and hardworking emergency services personnel have the facilities and equipment they need to do their jobs properly,” Ms Lobato said.
“With their superior facilities, these new stations will make members’ working lives just that little bit easier, helping them deliver an even better service for the local community.”
Reefton CFA captain Danny Bennett welcomed the promise of a building upgrade.
“This is a great promise and something the brigade and its volunteers are looking forward to,” he said.
Mr Bennett said the station, which was built in the early 1980s, desperately needed upgrading.
“We have outgrown the station. With both our tankers in the shed there isn’t enough room for volunteers to get into their fire fighting gear,” he said.
“We actually have to move the trucks out of the station, then get dressed, before we can respond to fire emergencies.
“A new station means we will be able to respond more effectively and it means we will have room for training and other CFA activities.”