State budget funds for Dereel fire station

CFA members in Dereel are pleased after state funding was allocated to a new station in the town.

Brigade captain Rob Hill said $400,000 would be used for land development and build planning.

Last week, it was announced the station was one of many across Victoria that would receive funding as part of the next state budget.

“Our members are thrilled to hear we have been highlighted,” Hill said.

He said the current station, which was constructed in 1982, had served the town well but had reached a point where it was at the end of its serviceable life.

“A new facility with our own dedicated space and land will help encourage more membership growth and set us up for the long-term moving forward,” he said.

The brigade worked with its district headquarters and Eureka MP Michaela Settle on project advocacy.

“We hope this is the first step of many in moving forward towards a future announcement of a full station build and replacement,” Hill said.

Recognised as a standalone brigade in 1978, Dereel has 25 members in an area Hill said is “often recognised as one of the higher bushfire risk zones within regional Victoria”.

“The fire brigade is an integral part of the community identity,” he said.

“The community support we receive every time we respond to a fire or incident, I personally believe, is second to none.

“This current budget announcement, and a future station replacement when we are fortunate enough, is and will be a huge win, not only for us but also for the residents.”

The money came from $26.2 million allocated in the budget to builds, planning land acquisition and upgrades to 10 CFA stations.

“Our volunteer and forest firefighters are on the frontline, protecting us when we need it most,” emergency services minister Vicki Ward said.

“We’ll keep delivering the equipment and facilities they need to keep Victorians safe.”