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Hazelwood North Fire Brigade gets visit from Martin Cameron and John Pesutto to hear calls for funding of new equipment

Martin Cameron, urges increased funding for Latrobe Valley CFAs. Brigades cite deterioration, outdated facilities, and equipment, stressing the need for urgent government support for critical community service.

By news@gippsland - 15th December 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has renewed calls for the Allan government to urgently increase funding for CFAs in the Latrobe Valley after brigade captains claimed the organisation is "broken" under Labor. Brigades have warned they are in a worse position than before the catastrophic Black Summer fire season and said volunteer numbers are plummeting at "a million miles an hour".

Martin Cameron with John Pesutto during their visit at Hazelwood North Brigade

Delayed fire station

Visiting the Hazelwood North CFA last week with Opposition Leader, John Pesutto, Mr Cameron heard brigades across the region are being forced to make-do with outdated equipment and sheds that are not fit for use. "For many years, the Hazelwood North Fire Brigade has been promised a new station. They have been waiting so long that the land allocated to them by council is in danger of being reallocated if not put to use."

"To say their current facility is not fit for purpose would be an understatement. The building is a single roller door shed and a meeting room the brigade built themselves. There is no room for volunteers to park without obstructing access to the tanker and ultralite appliances, and they are located on a dangerous stretch of road where the speed limit is 100/kph. Critically, they do not have 24-hour access to the station via an appropriate road," Mr Cameron said.

Brigade facility challenges

The Tyers CFA - which supports Traralgon, Glengarry, Yallourn North, Erica, Rawson and Walhalla - is forced to house its rapid response vehicle off-site in Traralgon West some 20km due to a lack of room in its shed.

The Morwell CFA has made known its desire to remain separate from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) on several occasions, but volunteers have been told they will be forced to co-locate with paid staff at a new FRV station on Princes Drive.

"The state is haemorrhaging billions of dollars on blowout projects in Melbourne while our volunteers are on their knees and crying out for help so they can continue their selfless, life-saving work. I am imploring the Minister for Emergency Services and the Allan Labor government to listen to volunteers and provide adequate funding for our CFA brigades in acknowledgement of the critical role they play in our communities," Mr Cameron said.

Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.
• Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
  Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant.
• Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
  Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
  Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season.
• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
  Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success.
• Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
  Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth.
• Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
  Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
  East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses.
• Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025.
• Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
  Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.