Tuesday, 15 October 2024

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (12:49): On 12 October I was thrilled to join CFA members and officials to congratulate them on the opening of the new Beveridge fire station and the establishment of the new Beveridge fire brigade. The Beveridge fire station was formerly a satellite station of the Kalkallo CFA but became a standalone operational brigade in August. With 26 members, they have responded to 10 ‍primary emergency calls and 30 support calls in the first month of operation and are anticipated to respond to more than 400 emergency calls a year. It was great to walk through the completed new station, having visited earlier this year when it was only a frame and a plan. This station is a great first step in the Beveridge CFA journey, as being in one of the fastest growth areas of the state it will no doubt need to grow as the community does. While the state prepares for the potential of an early fire season, the new Beveridge CFA will provide local residents with better support during emergencies, and I thank captain Jason Smith and all Beveridge CFA members for everything that they do and wish them a safe summer ahead.