East Gippsland will be better prepared for summer with today’s opening of a new fire station in Ensay and the delivery of new tankers to the Swifts Creek and Omeo Fire Brigades.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said the new station and tankers worth over $1 million were valuable additions ahead of the summer season.

“The new station and tankers will improve the safety of residents in East Gippsland and provide a valuable boost to firefighting efforts in this region,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said the new station in Ensay was the product of hard work by CFA and the government to increase fire protection in East Gippsland.

“The new Ensay fire station delivers on the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to upgrading firefighting facilities and infrastructure across the state,” Mr Bull said.

“The station replaces the outdated shed from the 1980s with a modern facility that reflects the Ensay community’s current and future needs.”

The station cost $416,000 and was built by Gippsland based company RAL Constructions. The brigade contributed $6,000 toward the parking facilities at the front of the station.

Mr Bull said the tankers cost $335,000 each and have spray protection systems to keep firefighters safe in the event of a burnover.

“The two tankers are designed and built for combating bushfires in Australian conditions and are ideal for the rough terrain of the High Country,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said Gippsland residents should ensure they talk to their household about their plans for a high-risk day.

“If you are unsure, discuss your risk with your local CFA brigade and find out where to go for Fire Danger Ratings and warnings,” Mr Bull said.

“Now is the time to understand your risk – not when a fire starts.

“If you live near bush and it’s a high-risk day, leave and live because leaving early is the safest option to protect you and your family.”

Mr Bull said $61 million was committed in the 2013-14 Victorian Budget to replace run down and ageing rural fire stations across the state.

“The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to upgrade 250 CFA stations over our first term, and we will continue to strengthen Victoria’s emergency services,” Mr Bull said.

“We are proud of the vital work performed by CFA, one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations with more than 60,000 members – 98 per cent of them volunteers.”