Country Fire Authority Morwell brigade
Mr NORTHE (Morwell) (14:22): My question is directed to the minister representing the Minister for Emergency Services, that being the Minister for Police. Minister, as you would be aware, the new Morwell fire station is near completion. However, whilst the station will house Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters, Morwell’s volunteer firefighters have made it clear for more than two years that co-location is not an option for them and subsequently they wish to remain at the current McDonald Street, Morwell, fire station site for the purposes of volunteer sustainability and emergency service coverage for the town. Minister, will the state government support the position of Morwell fire brigade volunteers in remaining at the McDonald Street station and will the government ensure these dedicated volunteers are provided with the appropriate appliances and equipment so they may continue to do the incredible job they do in serving and protecting our community?
Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police) (14:23): Can I thank the member for Morwell for his question. I know of his very strong interest in these matters. He may also be aware that it has been over a year now since I have been the minister for emergency services, but I do recall his strong advocacy at the time, back in 2020, when I met with the Morwell CFA brigade, and we had very positive discussions at that particular time, including between FRV, CFA and the brigade, with accommodations being made to the new station in order to accommodate the volunteers. As I recall, prior to being unwell, there were differences of views amongst the Morwell volunteers about what was to happen. Some wanted to move in and some did not, but accommodation was made in the new building for them. That is as up to date as I am, and I will pass on his concerns and ask the current minister to respond to the member.
Mr NORTHE (Morwell) (14:24): Minister, could you also raise with the Minister for Emergency Services the fact that just 10 minutes up the road in Moe we have the situation where there are separate fire stations and separate appliances for FRV firefighters and for volunteer firefighters. The question I have for the minister is: why won’t the government similarly support Morwell volunteers in their request to respond to local emergencies from their own fire station?
Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police) (14:24): Thank you again to the member for Morwell. Look, all I can really say at this point, having answered as I did with the knowledge I had at the time, is that both the Morwell fire brigade and the FRV team there do an incredible job supporting the community of Morwell, and I will make sure that the minister in the other place is aware of the issues that have been raised by the member.