CFA staffing gaps put our region at risk
As we face what is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent memory, a new report has again highlighted the very real pressures facing our Country Fire Authority, including here in our own communities.
The Fire Services Implementation Monitor 2024 to 25 Annual Report reveals ongoing vacancies, fatigue, and a shortage of senior operational staff across the organisation. These warnings are not new.
Our local brigades have been raising alarm bells for years, making it clear the secondment model with Fire Rescue Victoria is failing to deliver the consistent staffing and leadership our volunteers rely on.
When experienced personnel are stretched thin or unavailable, response times are impacted. For regional communities, those delays can be devastating.
Compounding this is the lack of transparency around Forest Fire Management Victoria and its grounded G Wagon fleet. Communities still have no clear answers on why these vehicles remain off the road, what the replacement plan is, or how many CFA brigades have been asked to loan their own appliances to fill the gap.
With fire conditions escalating, the State Government must act on the Monitor’s recommendations and ensure the CFA has the resources, personnel and leadership needed to protect our towns.
Our communities should not be left carrying the consequences of inaction when safety is on the line.
–Annabelle Cleeland,
Member for Euroa
Wild life treated
I recently witnessed a baby possum being attacked by a large raven/crow in my backyard.
It had been injured and its life was in clear danger.
I took moves to protect it from further attack but had no idea what to do, thereafter.
Until a colleague advised me that vets were obliged to treat injured native wildlife in Victoria at no cost to the rescuer.
I thank the local veterinary clinic which accepted responsibility for the care of the marsupial.
Which, eventually, will be released back into its natural environment.
–Michael J Gamble
Belmont
Dodging potholes
Labor says it is “proud” of its road performance but every regional Victorians can see straight through it.
Whether you’re driving kids to school, heading to work, or simply trying to get into town – you’re forced to dodge potholes and crumbling shoulders.
Even worse, we learnt that out of 196 road-damage claims by motorists last year, Labor approved just one.
Road maintenance targets were missed by half, then quietly cut again while Labor patches 200,000 potholes.
But remember, come November 2026, it doesn’t have to be this way.
You have a choice: keep dodging potholes or elect a government that will take road maintenance seriously and build roads that last.
The Nationals in government will fight for regional Victorians and ensure they get their fair share of investment, services and infrastructure.
Danny O’Brien,
Leader of The Nationals
Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety
