McLeish calls on government to support Mansfield SES

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish has called on the Victorian Government to fund and support the construction of a new facility for the Mansfield SES unit amidst uncertainty over its current location.

Speaking to the Victorian Parliament, Ms McLeish called on the Minister for Emergency Services Lisa Neville to support the SES unit with a new purpose built station.

“The action I seek is for her [The Minister] to find a workable solution so that the Mansfield SES receives funding and support to establish a new and modern facility, having consideration for the other emergency services requirements in the town,” Ms McLeish said.

“It is well known that the Mansfield SES needs an upgrade; it really needs to be rebuilt. The unit itself, Mansfield Shire Council and the SES hierarchy all agree that this is a very pressing need.”

“The current SES facility is located on council land in the middle of the old saleyards site. The ongoing future of this land is a concern for many people in the town.”

Ms McLeish took the opportunity to praise Mansfield SES unit’s enormous contribution they make to the community.

“The SES in Mansfield provide enormous support. An analysis of the Mansfield Shire’s annual report shows that the SES do over 8000 hours a year, with half a million dollars worth of services. Fifty-five per cent of the services are for state assets, such as forests, roads and waterways, and certainly for emergency support of the tourist industry.”

Ms McLeish also raised the possibility of all emergency services in the town being co-located at a purpose built site to cater for growth in the town.

“The ambulance station is outdated and in desperate need of replacement. The CFA have nowhere to train. They are located on a small site in the middle of town.”

“Mansfield is a real growth pocket, and what is really needed is funding to support a plan for the development of an emergency services precinct. I would like to think that the minister can provide the funding and the support for that detailed emergency services plan,” Ms McLeish said.

“The cash-strapped council certainly will not be unable to contribute towards that, but the community will, and they have committed to raising $20 000 to support this initiative.”

Ms McLeish indicated she had already personally raised the matter with the Minister before formally raising it in Parliament.

Under Parliamentary rules the Minister has 30 days to respond to Ms McLeish’s request.