The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, is calling on Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward to urgently announce funding for a new CFA station in Charlton, saying the current facility is no longer fit for purpose and is putting response times at risk.
The Charlton CFA station, built in 1931, cannot accommodate modern firefighting equipment or meet the needs of today’s brigade.
“Our firefighters are being asked to operate from a station that is outdated, undersized and unsuitable for a modern emergency service,” Ms Benham said.
Most concerningly, Charlton CFA received a new tanker in 2021, but it doesn’t fit inside the station and must be stored off-site. “When timeliness is critical, having a tanker parked elsewhere is simply unacceptable and puts lives and property at risk.”
Ms Benham, who has visited the station firsthand, said it also lacks adequate facilities, including appropriate changing areas for female volunteers.
“I first raised this issue in Parliament in 2023 and have repeatedly raised it with the Minister for Emergency Services. Yet, despite these efforts, the Allan Labor Government has cut CFA funding by $55 million in real terms since 2020, as communities like Charlton continue to struggle for basic, fit-for-purpose facilities.
“The CFA has already secured land for a new station, and the District Commander has identified this as the top priority for the district, yet there has been no meaningful progress.
“The CFA is the backbone of our community. Our volunteers deserve a purpose-built, modern station that allows them to respond quickly and safely.
“The Allan Labor Government cannot manage money and cannot manage the CFA, and once again it is regional communities like ours that are paying the price.”
