By Wendy Williamson
Bigger better site for SES
In a significant step-up for a state emergency services unit, the Emerald SES will move to new purpose-built headquarters on a new site.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino visited Emerald on Friday 16 March to announce the relocation.
The move is necessary because the tin shed on the Old Gembrook Road site which Emerald SES has called home for 35 years has long been inadequate, but the topography of the site makes it impossible to build a larger unit there.
Mr Merlino said the current site will be retained for community use. It will be returned to the Cardinia Shire Council once the new unit opens.
“The acquisition of land on Belgrave-Gembrook Rd will pave the way for a fit-for-purpose site, allowing members to respond to incidents more quickly and store all of their vehicles and equipment,” he said.
Construction of a new building is being funded by a $1.8 million allocation in the 2017-18 Victorian Budget.
Preliminary works will start in September, with construction set to be completed by mid-2019.
Mr Merlino thanked Emerald’s SES volunteers, saying they did “incredible work out of an incredibly below par facility”.
Emerald SES officers are among Victoria’s busiest. Across the Dandenongs they respond to nearly 1000 requests for assistance each year.
Chief officer Ben Owen welcomed the prominent location of the new site.
VICSES Chief Executive Officer Stephen Griffin said, “The new unit will increase the presence of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and our volunteer connection to the Emerald community.”
Turning to the volunteers he said, “Full credit to you all for working so long and so hard in sub-standard conditions.”
He added, “This site will be owned by VICSES, which provides the Emerald volunteers and community with certainty for the future.”
