Liberals pledge new fire station for Modewarre

THE Liberal Nationals are bringing a little more heat to next month’s state election, pledging $2 million for the redevelopment of the Modewarre fire station if they form government.

The rebuild will see a new three-bay station constructed at a new location on Cape Otway Road, with fire brigade volunteers being able to work with modern facilities to assist in improving fire services to the local community and surrounding areas as the Modewarre community grows.

The new station is considered to be a critical piece of infrastructure for the Modewarre CFA, as its new truck does not fit into the existing fire station.

The Liberal Nationals say Geelong’s population is now over 195,000 people and growing at an average of around 2,500 people a year, and “now more than ever we must invest in our emergency services, like the Modewarre CFA and help give our local firefighters the best facilities possible”.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Brad Battin and South Barwon MP Andrew Katos visited the Modewarre fire station at the weekend to make the election commitment.

“It is vital that the Modewarre and Moriac communities have the resources they need to fight fires and protect our communities when we need help the most, and this new facility will provide that,” Mr Katos said.

“The current facilities here at Modewarre fire station are no longer acceptable and can’t even house the brand new fire truck that they recently received.

“These new facilities will improve the health and safety for all volunteers so they can continue to keep not only Modewarre, but the entire South Barwon region safe.”

Mr Battin made reference to the long-running dispute between the state government and various parts of Victoria’s fire services.

“While (Premier) Daniel Andrews and (Minister for Emergency Services) James Merlino are at war with CFA volunteers, the Liberal Nationals are getting on with funding CFA stations and keeping Victorians and their homes safe,” he said.

“The credit for this local funding belongs to the community and local MP Andrew Katos, who worked together and made the case for this project so they can provide the best for our hard working volunteers.”