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Foster fire station promise to rebuild remains unfulfilled prompting questions on fund allocation and community safety

The Allan Labor government faces scrutiny over unfulfilled promises for the Foster fire station rebuild. Despite prior funding plans, the project lacks support. Questions arise on fund allocation and community safety.

By news@gippsland - 18th April 2024 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is being asked to explain what happened to funds previously promised for the Foster fire station rebuild as the Minister for Emergency Services confirms the project is currently unfunded. Responding to questions raised last August by The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien, the Minister advised that the project is "not currently funded for replacement, including land acquisition, and has no firm timeframe for funding at this time."

The Foster fire station faces obstacles due to funding withdrawal by the state Labor government, despite prior commitments and efforts since 2015

Funding accountability inquiry

Mr O'Brien said the Allan Labor government must now explain where funds previously set aside by the CFA for the project have gone. "The Foster brigade and wider community celebrated when a new fire station was scheduled in the CFA capital budget for completion in the 2023-24 financial year, so it is extremely disappointing to all involved to hear that that money has been pulled."

"The current Foster fire station, along with those in Korumburra and Mirboo North, are too small and insufficient for modern needs. The flow-on impact of failing to provide new fit-for-purpose modern stations means that these brigades are also denied much-needed new fire trucks as the new modern trucks simply can't fit through the out-dated fire station doors. There is also an OHS issue in that there is not enough space for volunteers to change into fire gear next to moving trucks," he said.

Funding for Foster

Mr O'Brien said after working with the Foster community for years to secure these funds, he is now calling on the Allan Labor government to provide answers as to why this project is no longer funded.

"The Foster community deserves a new fire station and it should now be funded in the coming state budget. This is a matter of community safety and is not a project where funds should be being cut," he said.

To find out more, visit Parliament of Victoria - Question details website.

Pictures from Foster Fire Brigade Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com