Dear Member of Parliament,
I’m concerned that Victoria isn’t ready for fires. Whether bushfires or emergencies in the city, it seems we’re not learning our lessons or acting fast enough.
In April 2009, the Independent Board of Reference ruled that there would be upgrades at 24 CFA fire stations – either by becoming a 24/7 professional CFA operation, or by adding extra firefighters on shifts.
These fire stations are in areas of significant population: Ballarat, Dandenong, Eltham, Geelong West, Hastings, Hoppers Crossing, Lara, Lorne, Melton, Mildura, Mooroopna, Mornington, Narre Warren, Ocean Grove, Pakenham, Phillip Island, Portland, Rowville, Sale, South Morang, Springvale, Sunbury, Warragul and Warrandyte
But nothing seems to be happening!
Why isn’t Victoria keeping up with population growth in the outer suburbs, growth corridors and regional centres?
Our volunteers do an amazing job but they’re not supposed to be full-time.
We pay for fire protection through the fire levy on house insurance, either directly or through landlords. Why are some areas of the State missing out on proper fire protection?
I’m also concerned that Victoria isn’t learning the lessons of past fires.
Why didn’t Victoria implement the recommendations from the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, or the 1997, 2003 and 2006 inquiries? Why did recommendations from the 1994 inquiry into the MFB go unheeded? Will the final report of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission also end up gathering dust in the Parliamentary library?
Finally, I’m alarmed to hear that the MFB wants to scrap its minimum staff numbers on a shift. No-one knows when a fire or emergency will happen, so this seems like a big risk. If Melbourne doesn’t have proper cover, fire crews may take longer to respond to a call.
This could be the difference between life and death, or a small fire turning into a massive fire. If this is about saving money, it’s not just bad economics – it’s immoral.
We want more firefighters, not less.
I look forward to your response indicating what action you intend taking, and in what time frame, to address this important community safety issue.
Yours sincerely
|
