Wednesday 6th November 2024
To the Editor,
I am writing to echo the communities voice in an urgent need for a new CFA station in Charlton. The existing Charlton CFA station, built in 1931, has not been suitable for a modern fire brigade for a long time. Female members of the brigade face challenges with changing facilities, as the space is simply inadequate. More concerning, however, is the situation with the brigade’s tanker.
In 2021, the Charlton CFA was thrilled to receive a new tanker equipped with the latest technology, yet this vital asset does not fit in the current station and must be parked offsite, delaying response times for critical emergencies. This delay not only hampers the brigade’s efficiency but could endanger lives.
I have personally visited the station, and I have raised this issue with the Minister for Emergency Services several times including this past sitting week.
The situation is not only impractical but also places an undue burden on the brigade members who are ready to serve and protect our community. The CFA has already taken steps to address this issue by securing land for a new station however there has been little progress toward funding a new facility on this site.
As the District Commander shared with me, this project is the top priority for the entire district. The Nationals know that the CFA is the backbone of our community, responding not only to fires but also to storms and other emergencies. The old station building, charming as it is, could serve as a historical site. But our firefighters need a purpose-built, modern station to do their critical work safely and effectively.
I urge the Minister for Emergency Services to fund this new CFA station for Charlton without delay. Our community deserves a CFA that can respond quickly and efficiently, and a new station is essential to that mission.
