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Foster Fire Station rebuild has promised funds withdrawn has Danny O'Brien calling for accountability

Danny O'Brien advocates for Foster Fire Station amidst funding cuts, calls for accountability and new builds for Mirboo North and Korumburra.

By news@gippsland - 18th August 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is calling for answers after reports that funds previously promised for the Foster fire station rebuild have been withdrawn. Mr O'Brien said the Foster community had rejoiced last year when a new fire station was finally included in the CFA capital budget for completion in the 2023-24 financial year.

Volunteers in Foster were thrilled about the promised improved fire station, but their joy is fading due to state budget cuts

Fire station funding uncertainty

Mr O'Brien said, "The volunteers in the Foster brigade were overjoyed to hear that they would finally be receiving a fit-for-purpose fire station that would improve conditions for the firefighters and improve response times. However, it appears this joy may be short-lived as the brigade has now been told this funding is being pulled due to state government budget cuts."

Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr O'Brien called for answers on when the project will be delivered, as well as advocating for new builds for Mirboo North and Korumburra. "I am seeking confirmation from the state government that the station will be rebuilt as intended and asking if not, why not?"

Critical need for new fire stations

Mr O'Brien added, "I have joined the Foster, Mirboo North and Korumburra communities in campaigning for new stations for years. The need for new fire stations is clear as the current stations are too small and insufficient for modern needs. There is also an OHS issue in that there is not enough space for volunteers to change into fire gear next to moving trucks."

"The station door is simply too small for modern trucks, which to-date has meant that the Foster CFA has been denied a much-needed new fire truck. This is a matter of community safety and is not a project where funds should be being cut," he said.

Pictures from Foster Fire Brigade Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com