Modewarre CFA Needs A Station Not A Shed
Despite spending $346 billion over the next four years, the Victorian Labor Government’s 2020-21 State Budget has failed to provide basic funding for a vital fire station at Modewarre.
With Victoria’s debt ballooning to $155 billion in three years, it has announced just $114,000 for a shed for the Modewarre Fire Brigade.
The Liberal Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, has slammed the critical failure in the Victorian Parliament this week.
“Currently the Modewarre Fire Station is so inadequate that a fire truck doesn’t fit inside - it is being stored in a member’s private shed,” Mrs McArthur said.
“This brigade doesn’t need a shed – it needs a new station”.
The Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman, failed to contact the brigade about the funding decision, preferring to announce via FaceBook on Friday that the brigade would get $114,000 for a shed.
“But even this funding is not detailed in the budget,” Mrs McArthur told the parliament.
The Liberal Nationals promised $2 million to construct a new fire station for the brigade at the 2018 state election.
“The needs of this volunteer brigade - and the community it serves - are obvious.
“When you can’t even fit a fire truck in a CFA shed – it’s a clear sign how bad things are in the bush under this Government.”
Mrs McArthur has asked the Minister for Emergency Services, Lisa Neville, to respond to the need.
“Will the Government commit to building a new fire station for the Modewarre CFA and not just a shed, so that volunteers can keep us safe?” she asked.
26 November 2020