A new fire station for Yarram is one step closer with a planning application now officially lodged with the Wellington Shire Council.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien said it was wonderful to see the project finally progressing after funds were committed in the 2023-2024 State Budget.
“This project has been shovel-ready for years with a parcel of land purchased on Commercial Road back in 2016,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Yarram community and in particular for the local volunteers have fought hard to secure the funds to see this station rebuilt and I am delighted to finally see some progress occurring.”
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals had committed funds to the rebuild of the Yarram Fire Station prior to the 2018 election, but unfortunately this was not matched by Labor Government until five years later.
“The current Yarram station, like many others in the Gippsland South electorate such as those in Mirboo North and Foster, are too small and not fit-for purpose.
“They simply weren’t made to house modern fire trucks or address the health and safety needs of our volunteers.
“Mirboo North CFA was told it would be receiving capital funding from the CFA in 2022 only to have those funds later withdrawn.
“The Allan Labor Government has a worrying reputation of allowing infrastructure projects to blow out or fall by the wayside, so while it is great to see that steps are being made to see the Yarram fire station rebuilt, I will continue to monitor the project closely.”
Mr O’Brien said he was also monitoring progress on the new Winnindoo CFA station that has been on the table for over five years.
“I will continue to advocate for all of our local CFA volunteers to ensure they are provided the facilities and equipment that they deserve.”