The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has asked the Treasurer in Parliament if funding will be provided to build new facilities for Kilmore SES in the upcoming Victorian Budget.
The Nationals made an election commitment to rebuild an upgraded shed on the existing site on Green St, which was matched by the government after community and National Party advocacy.
“The team at Kilmore SES do an incredible job, covering an area where population is booming, all the way down to Beveridge,” Ms Cleeland said.
“New members are having to be turned away due to the lack of capacity at their current shed and there is no room for storage or upgraded infrastructure.
“Members contribute to the SES in so many different capacities and a new shed needs to include accessibility and amenity upgrades.”
Ms Cleeland is pushing for this investment to come to fruition as quickly as possible, as the Kilmore SES has seen a sharp uptake in call outs over the past few years.
“With the town and surrounding region growing at a rapid rate the Kilmore SES crew have seen an exponential increase in call outs,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Mitchell Shire is projected to double in population within the coming decades and we need emergency services infrastructure to be able to support this growth.
“The strain on the amazing Kilmore SES volunteers will only increase over the next few years. This investment is incredibly important to support their great work.”
Ms Cleeland commended the Kilmore SES for their consistent advocacy for upgraded facilities and encouraged the Treasurer to put money in this year’s budget to get the ball rolling.
“Unit controller John and his team have put forward a compelling case for this investment and they should be congratulated,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Nationals pushed hard for this funding, visiting multiple times, and bringing the Shadow Minister here to see the desperate need for new facilities.
“The SES owns the site. All we need to see is the Treasurer put money in this year’s budget and get the ball rolling.”
