Wednesday, 14 August 2024

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (19:14): (779) Montrose CFA fire brigade is an exceptional local fire brigade. Captain Rob Waters, the brigade management team and the crew of volunteer firefighters work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Montrose fire brigade does exceedingly well in managing an increasing volume of call-outs and now needs a new pumper to ensure it can continue to do the important work of fighting fires, given the complex needs of Montrose and surrounds. The matter I raise is for the Minister for Emergency Services, and the action I seek is for the minister to provide funding for a new pumper for the Montrose CFA brigade.

Montrose fire brigade has rightly sought clarification on the consultation and decision-making process behind the Allan Labor government’s recent allocation of 25 new pumpers across Victoria – which will only go a small way to replacing this ageing fleet – noting that Montrose fire brigade missed out despite being top A priority listed. Residents are concerned about the Labor government’s decision to prioritise the replacement of pumpers at certain brigades ahead of Montrose brigade despite Montrose being listed as a top priority for replacement in the Country Fire Authority’s strategic district 13 plan.

Some brigades receiving new pumpers as part of this recent allocation have vastly lower call rates per year compared to Montrose and response areas that do not present as high a risk profile in terms of industry or structure. Montrose fire brigade has had a 30 per cent increase in call volume over the past two fiscal years, with financial year 2023–24 surpassing 300 calls. In addition, Montrose’s response area includes a high concentration of industrial sites, a quarry, approximately 3500 residential homes and also major state government roads, all of which contribute to significantly higher operational demand.

Montrose fire brigade supports Fire Rescue Victoria and services additional critical areas, including Mooroolbark, Kalorama, Mount Dandenong, Lilydale, Bayswater and the Basin. They have been patient for years now in waiting for a much-needed new pumper to address their growing workload and the frequent equipment failures of their existing appliance. On behalf of the Montrose fire brigade and the entire Montrose community, I seek this action from the minister and hope the supply of a new pumper for Montrose can be confirmed without too much more delay and as a matter of priority.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Montrose CFA brigade members for their dedicated service to our community. It was a pleasure to join them at the brigade dinner recently. Congratulations to John Tasker for being awarded Montrose firefighter of the year, and congratulations to captain Rob Waters on his amazing contribution in leading this brigade for a decade – a tremendous achievement.