Rural Ambulance Victoria, Daylesford Police and a new Hepburn Shire State Emergency Service crew will occupy

the centre when it is built on the corner of the Midland Hwy and Central Springs Rd.

Although Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron and Health Minister Daniel Andrews last Monday

turned the first sod at the site, builders won't begin until August, with construction likely to be completed early

next year.

When it becomes operational, the new SES unit will consist of 25 members accredited in storm and flood rescue.

But Daylesford police won't occupy the building for at least four years.

The new facility will consist of a garage, training room, kitchen, office and communications room.

Sergeant Andrew Guiney said the emergency organisations and residents would benefit from the new facility.

"It will allow for much better policing. The proximity of other emergency services will be a significant plus," Sgt

Guiney said.

Mr Andrews said the facility had been strongly supported by Ballarat East MP Geoff Howard and was another

example of the State Government delivering for the shire.

"The emergency services facility will enhance VICSES and RAV's ability to respond to incidents and allow them

to continue providing outstanding service to the community," Mr Howard said.

Mr Howard said he looked forward to watching the building take shape.

"RAV and SES members do a fantastic job and deserve a top-class facility to continue their outstanding work," Mr

Howard said.

Mr Andrews said the recently announced expansion in ambulance services ensured services were based in areas of

increasing demand.

"Rural and regional Victoria will benefit from the employment of ... 20 additional paramedics at a cost $8.3 million,

to release rural station officers from their operational roster. This will allow them to dedicate more time to manage

clinical and staff issues," Mr Andrews said.

He said this was in addition to a recruitment drive to employ an extra 100 paramedics in Victoria.