All systems go for Dimboola station

Construction of a new fire station in Dimboola will start in the near future with the State Government responding to pleas from Country Fire Authority volunteers and the wider community.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy congratulated the Dimboola community for its tireless lobbying for the station.

Ms Kealy said Dimboola had been assessed as having an extreme fire risk, with an extensive history of threats to the town from bushfires, particularly from the west side across the Wimmera River and Little Desert National Park.

She said Dimboola CFA also provided extensive support to other emergency services by attending vehicle incidents on the Western Highway.

“Advice that a new fire station will finally be constructed in Dimboola is a huge win for the local community, who have been lobbying for this vital investment for years,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is essential that CFA volunteers have the equipment and facilities they need to protect local people and property safely and effectively.

“The current Dimboola fire station facilities are aged, aren’t big enough to house the CFA vehicles and do not meet current needs, expectations or occupational health and safety requirements.”

Ms Kealy said she had raised the issue many times with former and present Emergency Services ministers.

“After such a long battle for a replacement fire station, it’s a credit to the Dimboola community and our fabulous CFA volunteers that they never gave up the fight,” she said.

“This new fire station is a fitting thank-you to all the Dimboola CFA volunteers and recognition of their generous contribution to protecting our people and property.

“I will continue to do all I can to make sure the new Dimboola Fire Station gets built as soon as possible.”