By Peter Douglas
Victorian Emergency Services Minister James Merlino has matched his counterpart Brad Battin’s $1.8 million election promise for the Emerald SES Unit.
On the eve of the State Budget 2017-’18, Mr Merlino on Friday 28 April made what will be one of his most well-received funding commitments, with the cash boost to go towards a major facilities upgrade at the site.
Mr Merlino’s announcement officially puts an end to years of advocacy, in which many Emerald SES volunteers have worked diligently to ensure their colleagues have the facilities the deserve.
Despite being one of the busiest SES units in the state, volunteers have been battling sub-standard facilities for many years, often in trying conditions such as the 9 October windstorm last year.
At the announcement, Mr Merlino said the Emerald SES volunteers were inspirational and deserved a modern facility.
“The least we can do, as a government, is to support the volunteers; provide the resources, the training opportunities, the facilities and the equipment so you can do the fantastic work for our community,” he said.
“In the Budget next week, there will be a line item, in the Budget Paper, that talks about $1.8 million to the Emerald SES Unit for a brand-new facility.
“So, no more outdoor ‘loos’, no more leaking rooves; this will provide you with a state-of-the-art facility for vehicles, equipment, training, meetings and your amenities.”
Mr Merlino paid tribute to everyone involved in the advocacy, particularly to Unit Controller Ben Owen.
In front of an emotional volunteer audience, Mr Owen said it was just reward for many years of hard work.
“So, now we’ve got a future and that’s great,” he said.
“As some of the older members know … every year, you think you’re getting closer to the development … finally we get that purpose-built SES building in Emerald for the community.
“Now, we’ll have a safe working environment where members who go and do a job can come back and have a hot shower, a hot cup of soup and get ready to go back to work.”
Mr Owen said he couldn’t wait to see the potentially two-storey facility develop as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the recent announcement follows on from Gembrook MP Brad Battin’s promise on 21 March this year to deliver the same amount, if elected next year.
The funding pledge was the first announcement before Mr Battin’s campaign and one which he said was his top priority.
“The Emerald SES is one of the busiest units in Victoria,” he said.
“Last year alone, they attended seven per cent of all priority calls in the State.”
Emerald SES volunteers respond to about 1300 requests for help every year, across the Dandenongs and surrounding areas.
