News

Emergency Services | October 25, 2018

Better CFA Air Support for South West Victorians

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will commit $483,000 to upgrade the Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase.

The Liberal Nationals provided $250,000 in 2014 when in Government for stage 1 and have remained committed to seeing this vital project complete.

The long-overdue completion of Stage 2 will deliver full operational safety standards for emergency workers and volunteers to ensure the Hamilton Airbase remains the strategically located, efficient and modern fire-fighting asset it’s intended to be.

The Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase is the only CFA operated airbase in Victoria with over 40 volunteers and an aerodrome which is recognised as the primary aerial fire support facility across all of western Victoria.

Daniel Andrews has lost control of community safety in Victoria and is seeking to control our CFA volunteers.

Unlike Labor, the Liberal Nationals will always protect those who protect us and ensure they’re safe doing so.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Brad Battin:

“While Daniel Andrews and James Merlino are at war with CFA volunteers, the Liberal Nationals are getting on with completion of the Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase and keeping Victorians safe.

The Liberal Nationals will get back in control of community safety and respect the CFA by enshrining the rights of volunteers in legislation.

“The credit for this local funding belongs to the community and local MP Emma Kealy, who have worked together and not given up to ensure quality aerial firefighting and protection of some of Australia’s finest grazing lands in South West Victoria and the Grampians National Park.”

Comments attributable to Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy:

“For the past four years I have worked tirelessly, calling on the Andrews Labor Government to complete this vital project and ensure protection for western Victoria and our hard working CFA volunteers.

“James Merlino has refused to support this project, putting lives at risk and not giving our local emergency services and volunteers the infrastructure and equipment they need, or our communities the peace of mind they deserve.

“Our hardworking CFA volunteers will be well supported should the Liberal Nationals win the election this November.”

Comments attributable to Member for South West Coast, Roma Britnell:

“The Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase plays a critical role in responding to emergency fire events in South West Victoria which was demonstrated only too well during the recent St Patrick Day fires.

"Our community will be safer under a Liberal Nationals Government that will improve our ability to respond in an emergency."