A new $10.3 million state-of-the-art office and depot facility funded by the Andrews Labor Government will increase Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) capacity to respond to and manage bushfires and other emergencies in the Upper Murray District.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, officially opened the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) new office and depot at Tallangatta today.

The new complex brings together the existing office and depot onto the one site, streamlining operations and providing improved services to staff and the surrounding communities.

The project included the construction of new depot sheds and infrastructure, a modern office facility and an Incident Control Centre for enhanced local coordination and deployment during emergencies.

During construction, the project also provided a boost to the local economy.

The design incorporates environmentally sustainable features, including energy efficient appliances and lighting, solar panels, rainwater harvesting tanks, shading and high-performance glazing.

The completion of the project builds on other investments in the Upper Murray by the Victorian Government, including a $2.2 million upgrade at the Corryong Airbase and a new $3.2 million Police Station at Corryong.

The project was funded by the Victorian Government’s Major Capital Works Program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This purpose-built facility will give our Forest Fire Management staff better resources to respond to bushfires and to do planned burning and fuel management to protect the local environment and community.”

“Upper Murray communities were significantly impacted during the 2019/20 bushfire season, so this new facility will help to support bushfire response and recovery works into the future.”