CFA volunteers across Gippsland continue to wait for crucial fire stations upgrades as new figures confirm the Allan Labor Government has cut CFA funding by $55 million in real terms since 2020.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien said local communities have been forced to wait years for basic infrastructure because of Labor’s failure to adequately fund the critical volunteer service.
“Premier Jacinta Allan claims Labor are investing more than ever in emergency services, but the proof is in the pudding,” Mr O’Brien said.
“When you look at what is actually happening on the ground in communities like ours, volunteers are still waiting for the most basic infrastructure they need to do their job safely.
“In Foster and Mirboo North, volunteers have been campaigning for replacement fire stations for more than ten years.
“A decade on, they are still operating out of outdated and unsafe buildings that are too small for modern trucks and equipment.”
Mr O’Brien said the same story is being repeated right across Gippsland.
“The Yarram fire station site was purchased back in 2016 and the project was shovel-ready for years, yet it took almost a decade to see any real progress,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Winnindoo has been waiting more than five years and Mirboo North was told funding was coming in 2022, only for that funding to be later withdrawn.
“These long waits are not bad luck. They are the direct result of Labor cutting CFA funding while insisting everything is fine.”
Mr O’Brien highlighted that the CFA’s 2024–25 Annual Report shows spending on personal protective equipment and operational gear has fallen, volunteer compensation and insurance have been cut and the CFA is now running a $50 million deficit.
“At the same time the Allan Labor Government continues to find money for consultants and spin,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Volunteers in Gippsland South do not need excuses or more assessments. They need stations that are safe, big enough and built for the job they are doing.”
Mr O’Brien said outdated stations pose real and ongoing safety risks.
“Volunteers are trying to change, prepare and respond while trucks are backing in and out of cramped sheds. These are not minor inconveniences. They are serious safety issues.
“The Allan Labor Government cannot manage money and cannot manage the CFA, and once again it is regional communities like ours that are paying the price.”
“Only The Nationals in Government will properly fund the CFA, end the delays and deliver the stations our volunteers have been promised for years.”