Baillieu boosts CFA coffers – The Berwick CFA fire station will receive a much-needed upgrade. Peter Obeth, Ian McGregor, Gembrook MP Brad Battin, Steven Wren, Captain Alan Boyd, Mel Anderson, Stephe

By Lia Bichel
THE Berwick CFA will undergo a much-needed renovation, thanks to a boost from the Baillieu Coalition Government.
The State Government is investing $600,000 to extend Berwick CFA fire station.
The station opened in Reserve Street in 1984 and was designed to house much smaller fire trucks than those used today.
The $600,000 funding boost will be used to modify the engine room to allow for larger trucks and increased storage space.
Captain Alan Boyd said volunteer fire-fighters were ecstatic about the funding.
“At present we are unable to open our front and rear doors at the same time if trucks are in the station. When we put vehicles away after calls, we have to drive through the engine bay, close the rear door and then back in quite close to it before closing the front door,” Capt Boyd said.
“We are looking forward to our facility being upgraded to a level which supports the busy activities of the brigade and provides a safer and more efficient base for our operations.
Gembrook Liberal MP Brad Battin said he was pleased to announce the funding at the beginning of National Volunteer Week and wanted to thank the fire-fighters at Berwick CFA, particularly Captain Alan Boyd, for their hard work and dedication.
“Fire-fighters volunteer their time to keep our communities safe – and Berwick CFA is one of the busiest, responding to more than 400 emergency calls every year,” Mr Battin said.
“The volunteers at Berwick make a huge contribution to the community and it essential we respect their efforts by ensuring they have adequate equipment and facilities.”