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Emergency Services | April 03, 2019

Kealy continues push for Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase funding

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has again used her time in Parliament to call on the Victorian Government to provide the funding required to complete Stage 2 of the Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase, which plays a critical role in responding to emergency fire events in south-west Victoria.

Ms Kealy has been actively lobbying the Andrews Labor Government to provide funding to complete the project for five years.

“The critical role the Hamilton Airbase plays in south-west Victoria was never more evident than during the 2018 St Patrick’s Day fires, when over 50 fire-bombing flights were deployed from the base in one day,” Ms Kealy said.

“While this was a fantastic effort, many more aerial water bombers could have been deployed if Labor had completed Stage 2 of the project to improve refill and refuel times.

“Completion of the airbase was a key wish from the Gazette CFA brigade at the time of the fires and remains their highest priority for the region.

“I urge the Andrews Labor Government to support our local people by ensuring the Hamilton CFA-EMV Airbase is funded in this State budget and completed before the next fire season.”