New Beaufort Fire Station And Truck Unveiled
Just over a year on from last year’s fire season, the Beaufort Brigade has received a new fire station and heavy tanker – thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s ongoing support of the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
As the CFA approaches its 80th anniversary next week, Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward today officially unveiled the station and handed over the new heavy tanker to the brigade.
The new station which has relocated to 2-6 Racecourse Road boasts three drive-through engine bays as well as improved office space, workshops and meeting facilities.
There is also a six-bay external shed to house the fire trucks and a dedicated car park for volunteers. The station is also home to a Local Command Facility, which provides additional support to the district and brigades during larger incidents.
The new heavy tanker includes important features to improve safety and reduce fatigue, with crew and vehicle roll over and burnover protection, a 4,000-litre water tank and electric rewind hose reels – helping improve their emegergency response capabilities.
This is one of the 48 new heavy tankers being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $22.7 million investment into state-of-the-art appliances for CFA.
Next week CFA will celebrate 80 years of operation – and Beaufort is one of the oldest brigades in the state, celebrating its 150th anniversary last year.
Beaufort Brigade has a proud history especially during World War I when many of its members enlisted and served overseas. Beaufort provided more soldiers to the war effort than any other fire brigade in Victoria at the time with 13 of its 15 active members joining the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) for service abroad.
The CFA formed after a series of devastating fires in the summer of 1943-44 prompted the consolidation of the Bushfire Brigades Association and the Country Fire Brigades Association.
Since this time, the CFA has become one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – with more than 52,000 members across 1,200 brigades.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward
“CFA volunteers show extraordinary courage showing up for Victorians in emergencies – it’s a history they are rightly proud of.”
“We will always support them so they have everything they need to protect lives and communities.”
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“The Beaufort Fire Brigade has been protecting our community for over 150 years. Their dedicated volunteers deserve the very best station, vehicles, and equipment to respond to emergencies.”
As stated by CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
“This new facility marks the beginning of a new part of this brigade’s history and one that will only improve the service the CFA provides for their local areas.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/250328-New-Beaufort-Fire-Station-And-Truck-Unveiled.pdf