Media Release: SAFETY HEATS UP WITH DOUBLE FIRE STATION OPENING IN WYNDHAM

FROM THE MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

DATE: Saturday, April 30, 2005

SAFETY HEATS UP WITH DOUBLE FIRE STATION OPENING IN WYNDHAM

The Minister for Police & Emergency Services, Tim Holding, today officially opened two new fire stations at Point Cook and Truganina, boosting safety in the rapidly growing western corridor of Melbourne.

“The City of Wyndham is one of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas with the population expected to grow by one third in the next five years,” Mr Holding said.

“The State Government has recognised this rapid growth and has responded by building two new fire stations in the area to better serve and protect locals.”

Mr Holding said $1.6 million had been spent on building and equipping Point Cook’s first ever fire station.

“Even though Point Cook is one of the newest CFA brigades in the state, the 26 volunteers are already performing strongly,” he said.

“In 2003, the Point Cook brigade fought in the North East Victorian and New South Wales fires, as well as a major fire fight to save Werribee Secondary College during a blaze.”

At the opening of the Truganina fire station, Mr Holding said the $160,000 station was the fourth in the township’s history.

“The Truganina CFA brigade has a long and proud history, and is this year is celebrating its 65th anniversary,” he said.

“The new station will be a welcome boost to the brigade and will ensure they have a modern station to call home.”

Mr Holding said the new stations in the City of Wyndham were a product of the State Government’s unprecedented investment in Victoria’s Emergency Services.

Since 1999, the State Government has injected more than $260 million extra into the CFA budget allowing for projects such as the Point Cook and Truganina fire stations.