The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has urged the Minister for Emergency Services to deliver a new station promised for the Hazelwood North Fire Brigade.
In Parliament on Thursday, Mr Cameron said the “quiet achievers” had been serving the Latrobe Valley community for 95 years and batting well above their average.
“They have gone from being a Region 10 rural brigade to a Region 27 brigade, in recognition of all the work they do around the Valley, including in our mines,” Mr Cameron said.
“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.
“Because of all these factors, the brigade is unable to hold open days, unable to train appropriately, and unable to have a junior brigade.
“Most importantly, volunteers do not have access to a facility they deserve and one they need to continue to protect our community.
“Yet, despite all this, the brigade continues to do a power of work in the Latrobe Valley. Members have assisted with floods across the state, they have travelled overseas to support fire suppression efforts, they manage the statewide weather station, and undertake numerous activities in the interest of educating the community.
“In 2028, the Hazelwood North Fire Brigade will celebrate its 100th birthday. It is my hope – and that of all the hard-working volunteers – that they can mark this amazing milestone by cutting the ribbon on a new, fit-for-purpose station they so richly deserve.
“Minister, will you commit to a new station for the Hazelwood North Fire Brigade and provide a timeline for delivery?”
The Minister is required to respond within 30 days.
