Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (12:56:09) — (14 283) My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. What is the latest information the minister can provide on the delivery of an additional Craigieburn State Emergency Service (SES) unit? We are very fortunate in Yuroke to have some outstanding SES volunteers. They are doing incredible work serving the residents in Craigieburn and across Melbourne’s north. With massive population growth in the Yuroke electorate and surrounding communities this additional unit will ensure that our SES can respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, where every second counts. I thank the minister for supporting our SES through this important investment, and I am sure that the Craigieburn SES volunteers will be pleased to receive any additional information that the minister can provide.

Response:

The Victorian Government greatly values the work of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers, who selflessly devote their time and skills to promote the safety and wellbeing of the community.

In the 2017/18 State Budget, the Victorian Government allocated $34.3 million in funding for VICSES, with $2 million allocated for the construction of a new unit at Craigieburn North to help VICSES respond to the needs of the community in the Craigieburn and Kalkallo areas.

Situated in the local government area of Hume, a new VICSES unit at Craigieburn North responds to population growth that is predicted to increase by 64 per cent by 2030, placing increased pressure on VICSES units to respond effectively to the local community and supporting Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services.

VICSES has advised that suitable land has been identified for the construction of a facility for the new Craigieburn North Unit.

The Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority (ESIA), established to deliver emergency services infrastructure, is managing this project. ESIA is currently investigating the suitability of the identified land for the new unit and is working in conjunction with VICSES, the Hume City Council and other stakeholders as required to ensure the efficient, effective, timely and transparent delivery of this project.

The Hon James Merlino MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Emergency Services