A critical specialist aerial appliance—vital for protecting key infrastructure and responding to emergencies across the Latrobe Valley—has been out of action for two days due to a major fuel leak.
Despite multiple urgent requests for a replacement aerial pumper and heavy pumper, none are available in the entire state. This is an appliance that responds to over 1,100 emergencies per year—yet when it fails, there is no backup.
A house fire in Moe resulted in only one FRV firetruck being left to cover Latrobe Valley residents as well as all the associated power industry for two hours. An FRV firetruck from Melbourne had to be responded to ensure proper coverage for the Valley.
This is a direct result of chronic underinvestment by the Allan Government and a failure of leadership by FRV Commissioner Gavin Freeman. Firefighters and communities deserve better.
Enough is enough. Our fire service is stretched to breaking point. The government and FRV leadership must act before lives are lost.
