Forging Ahead with Plans for Emergency Services Precinct

Published on 22 July 2022

The establishment of the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct at the former saleyards site is a step closer following the endorsement of the Feasibility Study and Preliminary Business Case at the July Council meeting.

Funding secured by the community-based Mansfield Emergency Precinct Committee, which has been lobbying for an emergency precinct since 2019, resulted in an initial Scoping Study which identified that there was a clear need for investment in quality, fit for purpose Emergency Services infrastructure. The Study noted strong backing from Mansfield’s community and emergency services organisations.

Ellen Hogan, Committee member, said the endorsement by Council of the two reports in support of upgrading our emergency services is indeed very welcome.

“The safety of our community is priority number one. With its population growth, visitor numbers and extensive terrain, Mansfield is a very worthy recipient of government funding for this important project.”

The Feasibility Study and Business Case endorsed at the Council meeting suggests the proposal to develop an emergency precinct in Mansfield is strongly in alignment with State Government policy and is required to increase capacity to respond and recover from emergency situations.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the project strengthened emergency services for Mansfield’s growing community.

“The evidence clearly supports the need for an Emergency Services Precinct designed to meet the needs of our growing community. As our population grows, the safety and wellbeing of our community and our visitors remains paramount,” said Cr Tehan.

“We’re working with Ambulance Victoria and the State Emergency Service to ensure the facilities meet the needs of the community, the agencies and our amazing volunteers that serve to protect us. This project underpins the resilience of our community and Council is pleased to offer its support.”

“Council will continue to advocate to government and key decision makers to ensure we are best positioned to secure the necessary funding for the design and build stages of each component of the project.”

During the next stage of the planning, Council will work with partner agencies and organisations to fully develop the governance and operating model for the Precinct.

For more information on the project – visit www.mshire.co/ESPNextStage