Wattle Glen and Plenty CFA stations to receive upgrades if Labor wins state election

LABOR has promised $1.9 million to upgrade Plenty and Wattle Glen’s CFA stations if it wins the November election.

Danielle Green, Minister Wade Noonan, Adrian Marshman. Wattle Glen and Panton Hill fire stations are in major need of upgrades to help volunteers do their job and local MP Danielle Green is advocating for this to happen.

LABOR has promised $1.9 million to upgrade two Nillumbik CFA stations if it wins the November election.

The Opposition has pledged $1.4 million to rebuild Plenty fire station and $500,000 to upgrade and expand Wattle Glen fire station.

Yean Yean state Labor MP Danielle Green said the two stations were inadequate for the busy fire-prone area.

“As a volunteer firefighter myself, I know that training must be conducted in decent facilities,” Ms Green said.

Eltham state Labor candidate Vicki Ward said firefighters deserved support and respect.

Both brigades have been campaigning for better facilities.

Plenty CFA captain Adrian Marshman — who was hoping for state cash in this year’s budget — said the brigade was very happy with the promise.

Mr Marshman said the existing building was too close to the road and firefighters struggled to get in and out.

“It’s great news for us,” Mr Marshman said.

“Currently it’s physically too small for a number of members’ (vehicles) and there are a number of problems as far as members being able to turn out.

“There are a whole lot of occupational safety and health issues.

Mr Marshman said the new station would be built on the existing site, but its exact location was still to be decided.

Bushfire Response Minister Kim Wells said the State Government’s emergency services commitments would be revealed in the coming weeks.

Comment has been sought from Wattle Glen CFA.