The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, and Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, have called on the Andrews Government to stump up much-needed funds for the Tyers CFA ahead of the State Budget.
The brigade provides support to Traralgon, Glengarry, Yallourn North, Erica and Rawson due to its central location, but has been forced to make do with limited space.
The current shed limits the size of the tanker which can be housed onsite and, with its membership doubling in size recently, upgrades are required to ensure the station can accommodate this growth.
In Parliament last week, Ms Bath called on the Minister for Emergency Services to match The Nationals’ election pledge of $300,000 to upgrade the Tyers CFA.
“The Tyers CFA is no longer fit for purpose – it’s forced to house its rapid response 4WD vehicle offsite at Traralgon West CFA, 20 kilometres away due to a lack of room at their shed,” Ms Bath said.
“Given the critical role Tyers CFA plays in responding to a range of emergencies in Latrobe Valley and in Baw Baw Shire’s mountain communities, this investment is urgently needed.
“The Tyers CFA has completely outgrown its existing facility – $300,000 would provide an additional bay to house the 4WD vehicle onsite, raise the shed door to fit a new technology tanker, build a meeting room, modify the kitchen and importantly create separate changerooms for our male and female CFA volunteers.”
Mr Cameron said it was vital the Andrews Government allocate funding to ensure the Tyers CFA has a fit-for-purpose facility that enables the brigade to respond to a range of emergencies.
“The selfless volunteers of the Tyers CFA do a power of work and, at the very least, deserve a facility that doesn’t restrict their operations,” he said.
“Housing Tyers CFA’s 4WD vehicle offsite on the wrong side of a closed bridge is untenable.
“Through fundraising, the brigade paid for half of the 4WD, and it’s supposed to be located in Tyers so CFA volunteers can support to the SES and Ambulance Victoria in emergencies.
“Their callouts have more than tripled over the last five years and they respond to a range of emergencies from car accidents to bushfires – all of which are crucial in keeping residents of the Latrobe Valley safe.
“The Andrews Government must acknowledge the crucial role the Tyers CFA plays in our community by allocating $300,000 for station upgrades in the upcoming budget.”
