State government will spend $2.25 million to replace Ararat Fire Station with a brand new facility for CFA volunteers

Victorian Deputy Premier and Emergency Services Minister James Merlino and Country Fire Authority Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Freeman made the announcement on Wednesday morning.

Mr Merlino said CFA volunteers and their fire trucks had run out of room in the building on Tuson Street, which was constructed in 1970.

“This is a wonderful brigade, servicing and protecting the community for well over 100 years and going to about 170 call outs per year,” he said.

“However, all of the trucks are pretty much crammed in to this old facility.

“I’m delighted to announce the Andrews Government will provide a brand new station for the Ararat CFA Brigade.”

The money will come from a $60 million statewide fund for new buildings, training and equipment.

Freeman said the new station would be better suited to catering for female volunteers and should help with recruitment.

Mr Merlino said the location for the new “fit-for-purpose, 21^st century” fire station had yet to be determined but he expected it to be built next year.

“Volunteers put their lives on the line, protecting not just Ararat but the wider region, and they deserve the very best facilities and equipment,” Mr Merlino said.

“There will be engagement with the brigade for the very best location for the new station, it will go out to tender this year, there will be early works this year and the project itself will be completed by mid 2019.”

Ripon MP Louise Staley said she welcomed the replacement of the Ararat Fire Station.

“I congratulate the all-volunteer CFA brigade on achieving this result which will enhance their capacity to continue to keep the Ararat community safe,” she said.

“Continuing to invest in emergency services is a key role of government. Given Labor has been in government for the past 14 of the last 18 years, it's a shame it has taken them so long to act.”

Ararat’s CFA District 16 headquarters will also move to a new office later this year.