Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA
Morwell Fire Brigade volunteers have Russell Norther support their wish to stay in McDonald Street at Morwell
Brigade volunteers have stated that a co-location will not support or improve volunteer sustainability or emergency services delivery in the community.
Member for Morwell Russell Northe has used Question Time in Parliament today to call upon the State Government to support Morwell Fire Brigade volunteers in their endeavours to remain at the existing fire station precinct in McDonald Street, Morwell.
The Morwell CFA volunteers are not moving, ,they have had no communications from the minister, or any upper house Labor MPs
The new Morwell Fire Station, which is currently under construction on Princes Way, Morwell is near completion and whilst the new station will house Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters; Morwell CFA volunteers have made it clear they wish to remain at the McDonald Street fire station.
"These dedicated Morwell CFA volunteers have made this determination on the basis it will be in the best interests in the retention and growth of volunteer numbers and the provision of fire services to the Morwell community by remaining at the current fire station," said Mr Northe.
Frustration felt by volunteers
Mr Northe questioned the Minister for Police and former Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville as to whether the Government was prepared to support the decision of Morwell CFA volunteers.
"Unfortunately, by way of the Minister's response, it appears the Government continues to ignore pleas from Morwell CFA volunteers who for more than two years have stated their position and who have relayed the associated benefits that would be derived by staying at their current site" Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe also asked the Minister as to why it was okay for Moe to have separate fire stations and equipment for FRV fire-fighters and CFA volunteers, yet in Morwell it is not okay. "There appears to be no logic or rationale as to why just 10 minutes up the road in Moe approval has been granted to operate fire services out of separate locations for FRV firefighters and CFA volunteers yet in Morwell it is not. It's little wonder volunteers and the community are frustrated" Mr Northe said.
Support and respect for decision
Mr Northe continued, "I just cannot understand why Morwell Fire Brigade volunteers are been denied their choice to remain in their current location and I am calling upon the Minister responsible and the government to step in and resolve this issue"
"Whilst a new Morwell Fire Station is most welcomed and a positive outcome for FRV firefighters, volunteers have determined their future is at the current McDonald Street site and the Minister and the Government should support and respect this decision" Mr Northe concluded.
Pictures from Russell Northe MP Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Gippsland students urged to enter National Water Week poster contest by 6 September 2024
Have your say and help develop Trafalgar Structure Plan through online survey by 20 May 2024
Stay vigilant and report scams to IDCare on 1800595160 as over 500,000 Aussies lose $3B in 2022
Tim Bull visits Gallipoli and honours fallen locals such as Basil Hooper, Vern Brookes, Thomas Bell, and Thomas Haylock
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests