Members of the Dimboola Urban Fire Brigade were pleased to welcome Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, and the Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Brad Battin, to Dimboola last Friday.

Kealy and Battin met with members of the Brigade for discussions, in particular regarding the proposed fire services reform.

Ashley Wallace, Captain of the Dimboola Urban Fire Brigade, said the meeting provided a timely opportunity for Brigade members to have their say about the proposed reforms, as well as ensure the Brigade has the right tools and support to keep our community and surrounding communities safe during what is shaping up to be a busy fire season.

Pictured above: Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Brad Battin, Prue Cook, Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, Jan John, Rob Sprake, Alfred Mason, Ashley Wallace.

In particular, Captain Wallace said that the Brigade's most pressing need continued to be construction of a new fire station.

"I'm pleased to say that, following significant efforts from CFA staff members and Emma Kealy, the CFA has now acquired the land needed for a new station and we look forward to commencement of the planning process in the coming year", Captain Wallace said.

"We further understand that construction of the new station is planned to commence at some stage in 2020."

Captain Wallace said that while Brigade members expressed concern about the uncertainty the proposed reforms may be causing some in the wider community, he did not expect it would impact on the Brigade's ability to respond to fires and other incidents.

"As far as we're concerned it's business as usual - when the siren goes off, we'll respond quickly, just like we've always done."