Torquay VICSES receives a lifeline
Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan has today announced $850,000 in funding to construct a much-needed new base for the Torquay SES.
Mr Ryan said the $850,000 project would be funded jointly with contributions from the Victorian Coalition Government, the Surf Coast Shire Council and the Torquay SES Unit.
"Surf Coast Shire Council is experiencing strong population growth and in particular, Torquay and Jan Juc are increasing in population by five per cent each year," Mr Ryan said.
"The new Armstrong Creek development is expected to house around 60,000 people and this major investment will ensure the community has access to the important services of the local SES for many years to come."
Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos said he was pleased the government, local council and community had stepped-in to assist the SES and prevent the closure of the Torquay unit.
"Without this funding, the Torquay unit would have been forced shut with the closest units up to 45 minutes away at Winchlesea and Lorne," Mr Katos said.
"While improvements and upgrades to SES facilities are generally not funded by government, both the Coalition Government and the local council wanted to secure the future of the Torquay SES and ensure its important services continued in such a rapidly growing region."
Mr Ryan said natural disasters, including floods, had devastating consequences causing widespread damage and loss of property, valuables and in some cases loss of life.
"Victorians have experienced multiple major flood events recently and the response of the SES has been critical in minimising the damage and loss to communities," Mr Ryan said.
"More than 5,500 SES volunteers work tirelessly and contribute many hours of their time in different ways, so it is imperative that we provide them with the resources necessary."
Mr Ryan said the new Torquay SES building would provide a modern and user-friendly space to support local operations.
"The new facility will also support an expansion in the unit's capabilities to include vertical rescue response, as well as road rescue, search operations and flood response."
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