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 Allan Labor 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.