FIRE RESCUE VICTORIA A WORLD-CLASS SYSTEM

I’D like to take the opportunity to respond to the recent Geelong Advertiser article “Volunteers fire up over merger”.

As Minister for Police and Emergency Services, I know that volunteers are the lifeblood of our community. I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of dedicated firefighters in my role, and each and every one has an unwavering commitment to community safety.

As our population grows and instances of fire increases across homes, businesses and commercial properties, we need to make sure Geelong and surrounds have the fastest fire response times possible.

Our firefighters were operating under systems and structures that have not changed since the 1950s.

The establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) will give them — and the Victorian community — the world-class fire services they deserve.

FRV brings all paid firefighters across the state into one organisation and strengthens the CFA as a volunteer-only agency.

In our region, we will continue to see volunteers and career firefighters working side-by-side, just as they have for many years.

These reforms have not been undertaken lightly. Between February and March 2020, 54 engagement workshops were held with more than 1330 volunteers and we will continue to engage and support our volunteer firefighters in the days, weeks and months ahead.

We’ve also recently announced a $126m investment for the CFA to go towards critical training and equipment and will continue to ensure the CFA has the funding necessary to remain a strong and sustainable agency into the future.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with the sector as we write a new chapter in modernising Victoria’s fire services together.

Lisa Neville,

Bellarine MP and Minister for Police and Emergency Services