Thursday, 23 March 2023

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (14:31): (102) My question is for the Treasurer, and I ask: will the May budget include funding to build a new co-located CFA and SES site in Heathcote? The CFA and SES in Heathcote have a great relationship, but both of their stations have serious problems. For the CFA there are concerns around diesel particulates and incredibly outdated facilities that see female members changing down the road at the bowls club and hoses being cleaned on the main road. The SES shed sits within a flood zone, and they are often battling water at their door during storms when they are turning out and trying to support our community. This was evident when Heathcote was substantially impacted during the October floods.

Their local upper house MP the Minister for Emergency Services had official correspondence on her desk in March of last year outlining the CFA team’s concerns, but it was never responded to. The Nationals made a commitment to fund a co-located site for the CFA and SES, which finally kicked the government into action, and the commitment was matched. Treasurer, their facilities are simply not up to scratch, and they need – (Time expired)