By BRITTANY PIASENTIN
THE Berwick and Narre Warren East Fire Brigade have received funding to improve the facilities at their fire brigades.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin announced the funding for the two services at the Berwick brigade on Friday.
The Narre Warren East CFA will receive funding to upgrade the Big Fill appliance that pumps water from a lake or dam to refill the brigade’s tankers faster.
Narre Warren East CFA Captain Peter Ryan said the upgrade will be a welcome improvement to the appliance.
“These upgrades will improve the appliance’s efficiency and safety and bring it in line with CFA standards so that anyone within the CFA can use it,” he said.
Berwick CFA Captain Alan Boyd says the funds will improve the facilities and make the effective use of parking easier.
“The Berwick brigade is one of the busiest in the south-east and this expansion will finish off the redevelopment of the station and optimise parking,” he said.
The funding is part of the $8,873,800 allocated to Country Fire Association Victoria as part of the Coalition’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Berwick CFA also recently received a new fire truck through the program.
Mr Battin said the Berwick CFA will receive $26,667 to fund the car park extension and Narre Warren East will receive $26,161 for Big Fill modifications.
“I know both of these brigades have a strong base of members that work hard to protect their community.
“They are an essential part of any local emergency response, whether it is a bushfire, structural fire or road accident,” Mr Battin said.
The Berwick brigade car park expansion will be completed in the next few months and will conclude the redevelopment of the station facilities.
