New Fire Station For Ararat

MELBOURNE, Vic., Australia, 14 March 2018 /PRNewswire Policy/ -- A new fire station will be built in Ararat thanks to the Andrews Labor Government, delivering a major boost to one of the state's oldest brigades.

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino visited Ararat today to announce the state-of-the-art station will be funded as part of a $60 million state-wide investment in firefighting facilities, training and equipment.

It will replace the Ararat Fire Brigade's existing station in Tuson St, which was built in 1970 and has been deemed not suitable to meet the volunteer brigade's future needs.

The history of firefighting in Ararat dates back to 1859, when the Ararat Urban Fire Brigade established its original home in a hotel room.

The Ararat Rural Fire Brigade was formed in 1942, with the two brigades merging in 2006 to form the Ararat Fire Brigade.

The brigade currently boasts 60 operational members, as well as 11 auxiliary members.

Members respond, on average, to more than 170 incidents each year, and are also actively involved in delivering community-safety programs such as Brigades in Schools and Home Fire Safety Workshops.

The Labor Government is continuing to invest heavily in Victoria's fire services, funding the infrastructure, training and equipment that is needed to keep communities safe.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino

“We're giving our firefighters the infrastructure, equipment and training they need to respond to emergencies and keep their communities safe.”

“The new station in Ararat will be a significant boost to fire services in the region, giving the Ararat Fire Brigade a modern base from which they can respond to emergencies.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“The Ararat brigade does a lot in this community and that's why we're ensuring they have modern facilities they deserve.”

SOURCE State of Victoria, Minister for Emergency Services