A new temporary fire station has sat empty for two years in East Bendigo while much-needed upgrades to the city’s main fire station are on hold.
Bendigo’s central fire station is more than 40 years old and is well overdue for upgrades to accommodate staff and appliances.
Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, says according to the government’s own website, the temporary station in Murphy Street was completed in March 2022 but the project status of the permanent station in Bendigo is currently on hold.
“It was built in 1983 when there were five firefighters: now they have up to 12 on a shift,” Broad says.
Ms Broad asked the Emergency Services Minister to explain why the temporary station remains vacant and when it will be used.
She also asked for an update on when the upgrades to the main fire station in Hargreaves Street would be completed.
“Our fire services have an important role in keeping our communities safe,” Broad says.
“It’s taking years to do these upgrades, while the temporary site has been finished and remains empty.
“It’s not surprising that Victoria has the highest debt of any state in Australia. Victoria’s Labor State Government cannot manage money and cannot manage projects.”
