Thursday, 19 March 2026

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (12:52): (2248) My question is for the Minister for Emergency Services. Will the minister commit funding for a new fire station for the Charlton CFA brigade in the 2026–27 state budget? Charlton CFA recently celebrated their fire station turning 95 years old. Yes, that is right: the station or building they operate out of is 95 years old. The milestone was also a painful reminder that they are still waiting for a new fit-for-purpose fire station. In 2021 the brigade was fortunate enough to receive a new tanker, but it is too big to fit in the old station and has to be housed almost 500 metres away. This impacts turnout times, when seconds matter. Four years ago land was purchased for a new purpose-built station, but since then nothing has been done to move the station project forward. Buloke Shire Council has written to the minister to stress the need for a new station that can house the tanker and provide amenities for a growing volunteer group that includes women. I urge the Allan Labor government to urgently invest in a new fire station for the Charlton CFA.