The Nationals have asked the Labor State Government to explain why a brand new temporary fire station has sat empty for two years in East Bendigo while much-needed upgrades to the city’s main fire station are officially on hold.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad told Parliament Bendigo’s central fire station was more than 40 years old and overdue for an upgrade to accommodate staff and appliances.
“It was built in 1983 when there were five firefighters: now they have up to 12 on a shift,” she said.
“In 2019 the Government announced that the station would be upgraded, and construction would begin in mid-2020.
“A site for a temporary station was identified three kilometres away in Murphy Street, East Bendigo. This was designed to operate 24 hours a day while the main station in Hargreaves Street was upgraded.
“According to the government’s own website, the temporary station in Murphy Street was completed in March 2022 but the project status of the permanent station in Bendigo is currently on hold,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad asked the Emergency Services Minister to explain why the temporary station remains vacant and when it will be used.
She also asked for an update on when the upgrades to the main fire station in Hargreaves Street would be completed.
“Our fire services have an important role in keeping our communities safe,” Ms Broad said.
“It’s taking years to do these upgrades, while the temporary site has been finished and remains empty.
“It’s not surprising that Victoria has the highest debt of any state in Australia. Victoria’s Labor State Government cannot manage money and cannot manage projects.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
