The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is frustrated that the urgent need for replacement fire stations in Foster and Mirboo North continues to be ignored by the Allan Labor Government.
“Ten years ago I stood up in Parliament and asked the then Minister for Emergency Services to fund these critical projects,” Mr O’Brien said.
“At the time I was assured that CFA had identified that the fire stations in Foster and Mirboo North were in need of replacement and that they had “been placed on its District Capital Works list for potential future development.”
“Ten years on and these communities and their CFA volunteers are still campaigning for the replacement of stations that are outdated, unsafe, and no longer fit-for-purpose.”
Mr O’Brien’s comments come after he questioned the Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward, in Parliament about when the government would finally provide funding for these vital projects.
In response, Minister Ward said Foster and Mirboo North would be “assessed alongside other projects” to determine when replacements would happen.
“The Minister’s response is eerily similar to the one I received ten years ago and does nothing to provide certainty that these projects will actually be funded.
“Local CFA volunteers give their time freely and work around the clock to keep our towns safe, yet they continue to face outdated stations and a lack of government support, even as locals contribute more through the new $3 billion Emergency Services Tax.
“The current stations in Foster and Mirboo North are too small for modern trucks and equipment.
“Volunteers struggle to change and prepare safely while trucks are backing in and out. These are real safety issues, not minor inconveniences and continued delays in funding put our communities at risk.
“The Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and it’s our local communities and emergency service volunteers who are paying the price.”