New fire station at Portarlington officially opens

A NEW state-of-the-art CFA station officially opened in Portarlington at the weekend, providing stronger emergency services for the community and better facilities for firefighters.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville attended the official opening of the $2.1 million station and thanked local volunteers for their ongoing work and support to the Bellarine community over 75 years of continued service.

“The state-of-the-art station provides the Portarlington brigade with modern facilities, as well as space to train and prepare for emergency incidents,” Ms Neville said.

“We’re ensuring that our dedicated volunteer firefighters have the space and equipment they need to continue their incredible work protecting the community.

“This is a wonderful facility, which continues Portarlington CFA’s proud, 75-year history of keeping the community safe.”

The station provides firefighters with a new facility to support the growing Portarlington community, and includes three bays.

A power generator has also been provided courtesy of the Labor Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, while an electronic gate and security system has been installed via the Enhancing Volunteerism Grants Program.

The larger, better-equipped station gives Portarlington CFA more opportunity to educate the community on fire safety and prevention.

It also gives volunteer firefighters more space to run training sessions and host community groups.

The station was funded through a $1.9 million government contribution as well as $150,000 from Portarlington CFA, which also fundraised $40,000 towards the project.

The Portarlington Fire Brigade has been protecting lives and property since 1944 and is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The brigade consists of 42 dedicated members who respond to approximately 70 callouts every year, including residential and industrial fires, grass fires and car accidents.