A new fire station in Bendigo, costing $2.4 million, has remained entirely unused for over four years despite its completion. This situation has raised concerns about financial mismanagement and insufficient emergency services in the area. The project was announced in 2019 following recommendations from the Black Saturday Royal Commission in 2016, aimed at upgrading the aging facilities.
Construction on the Murphy Street site was intended to begin in mid-2020, yet as of now, planning permission has not been secured, and no work has commenced. The existing Hargreaves Street station, built in 1983 for about 5-6 firefighters per shift, is in a state of disrepair. It is meant to accommodate 12 firefighters per shift after its planned rebuild, but the delays have left Bendigo firefighters working in substandard conditions.
Firefighters at the Hargreaves Street station have faced significant challenges. They often change into their uniforms in a makeshift facility, relying on a portable structure provided by Coates Hire. This temporary solution has been in place for five years, reflecting the ongoing neglect of the fire station’s upgrades. Moreover, last year, a malfunctioning front door led to fire trucks exiting through the back, necessitating the employment of traffic supervisors around the clock, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The temporary station, completed in June 2022, was intended to house firefighters during renovations. Its total cost has reached approximately $3.5 million, factoring in land acquisition and leasing arrangements. Despite being a modern facility with four bays and 12 dormitories, it has remained completely empty, raising questions about the management of public funds and resources.
Concerns have been voiced by local politicians, including Shadow Minister for Fire Rescue Victoria, Nick McGowan. He stated, “This is a scandalous waste of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money and a slap in the face to firefighters and locals in Bendigo.” He criticized the Labor government for failing to deliver on its promises and highlighted the financial implications of such mismanagement.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that if such financial waste occurs in the Premier’s own electorate, it is likely a systemic issue across the state. She criticized the government’s priorities, emphasizing that while millions are spent on an unused facility, essential resources for first responders are being neglected.
The ongoing situation at the Bendigo Fire Station exemplifies broader concerns regarding public sector efficiency and accountability. As the Victoria government navigates financial difficulties, with net debt projected to reach a record $192.6 billion by 2028-29, the implications of such delays in service upgrades and resource allocation become increasingly significant for the community.
