Dear Mr Bourke,
Victorians respect and appreciate the work of our CFA firefighters, both volunteer and professional. But since last summer’s bushfires our confidence has slipped.
Premier John Brumby told us on August 18 that 52 Victorian centres face huge danger this summer. He says the fire risk this summer is even higher than last.
Last April there was a ruling that 24 CFA fire stations were to get extra staff. What has happened since then? Anything?
We salute Victoria’s volunteer firefighters for their courage and commitment to the community, but surely many of these areas need full-time fire stations as well.
Why don’t suburbs like Werribee, Rowville, Noble Park and Lilydale have 24/7 fire protection like their neighbours?
When will the compulsory upgrades at Ballarat, Mildura, Mooroopna, Sale, Warragul and Geelong West happen?
And why this summer will Lorne, Phillip Island and Ocean Grove not have the protection they need?
We know that the CFA is run by professionals but we need career firefighters on the ground as well as sitting at computer terminals.
We support CFA firefighters – volunteers and professionals. Do you?
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
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