BEVERIDGE is among the 10 Victorian CFA stations that will share in a $26.2 million funding outlined in the Victorian Budget 2026/27.
When told of the funding announcement last week, a delighted Captain Jason Smith said the brigade is excited for the Beveridge Fire Station.
“It would help us meet the needs of the growing population. The fire station has been operating from Lithgow Street. The funding would help us to have better facilities,” Captain Smith said.
The Beveridge Fire Brigade’s membership, all volunteers, has grown from 20 in 2024 to 40 at present.
It attended 430 emergency calls for help from August, 2024, to June, 2025. Since July last year to now, it has attended 350 calls.
Captain Smith said a potential emergency services precinct has been flagged for the corner of Patterson Road and Camerons Lane in Beveridge.
While it is still under wraps how much funding the Beveridge Fire Station would receive, Captain Smith said the brigade looked forward to acquiring land for a new home and having a new tanker and a pumper to better service the growing calls for help.
Beveridge became a standalone brigade on August 21, 2024, having previously responded as a satellite station for Kalkallo Fire Brigade.
The Lithgow Street site has already had an extensive $840,000 refurbishment.
Yarrambat fire station is also among the 10 stations earmarked for funding.
A state government spokesperson told the Review the exact amount of funding for the CFA stations will be announced in the budget to be handed down today.
But the spokesperson said the Beveridge funding would be used for further upgrades, while Yarrambat could use the funds for buying land for a new home.
“The money would be used based on the operational needs of the brigades, and also in keeping with the proposals put forward by the volunteers,” the spokesperson said.
The Victorian Budget will deliver an additional $100 million for new CFA tankers and pumpers.
“Our volunteers deserve modern, safe facilities that reflect the vital role they play in keeping Victorians safe. To back their incredible contribution, we will also deliver $22.4 million for more wellbeing support, training and new protective gear,” the spokesperson said.
“Our forest firefighters put themselves into dangerous situations to stop fire spreading. We’re backing their work with a $217 million investment to purchase 17 new assets including heavy tankers, dozers and graders, deliver upgrades to the vehicle fleet, secure the critical aviation fire fleet and conduct more planned burns and fuel management.”
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said: “Our volunteer and forest firefighters are on the frontline, protecting us when we need it most. We’ll keep delivering the equipment and facilities they need to keep Victorians safe.”
