State emergency lobbying

By EMMA SUN
EMERALD SES members lobbied deputy premier Peter Ryan during his visit last Monday.
They showed off their plans for a new building when he dropped into the SES after checking out the new police station site earlier that afternoon.
Cardinia Shire Council has approved the plans for a $1.2 million building to replace the current temporary building that has been home to the volunteers since 1985.
However, Emerald SES unit controller Jim Waring said the SES is not in a position to fund the project, and appealed for the State Government’s help.
“We can’t afford that type of construction work so we hope to get assistance from local or state government,” he said.
“The Emerald unit is currently the third busiest unit in the state – we have 35 volunteers and more than 1000 requests for assistance a year that we need to manage.
“You’re asking 35 volunteers to work out of a 27-year-old tin shed that is substandard.”
Emerald SES is the rescue agency for the areas surrounded by Narre Warren, Gembrook, Mt Dandenong and Tecoma.
Mr Waring said the new building would have the capacity to hold four vehicles rather than the current three, which would improve the response rate for the unit.
It will also include a dual training room, better storage facilities and backup power supply.
“We’ve currently got one storm truck when we need to have two to meet our demand,” he said.
“We need to be able to cater for all types of emergency events, not just storms, but for earthquake and tsunamis as well.
“While those are unlikely to affect us, we need to be able to support the community if that type of emergency is thrust upon us.”
Mr Ryan took a copy of the plan and said he would discuss the issue with Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley.