By PETER DOUGLAS
THE Emerald State Emergency Service (SES) unit has again been overlooked in the State Budget, despite the Victorian SES ranking it as ‘most in need’ of an upgrade.
Traditionally, the unit has been regarded as one of the most in-demand in the state, with an average of about 1000 call-outs annually.
However, it is also one of the most under-resourced when it comes to infrastructure, according to Emerald SES Controller Ben Owen.
Mr Owen said the biggest issue was the unit’s inability to add more volunteers to its list.
With the winter storm season fast approaching, Mr Owen said the time had come to heap pressure on politicians.
“We’re in dire straits at present and this could affect people’s lives,” he said.
“Our shed was a temporary fix and has now been in existence for 30 years.
“We have a 15-year-old truck, which is due for retirement in coming years.”
Mr Owen said it was another setback, after it was revealed there was no funding in the recent State Budget.
“Our location is fine, but there is a major need for an upgrade of our buildings,” he said.
“We’ve spoken to (Monbulk MP) James Merlino, who said ‘we haven’t forgotten you’ and ‘we are hoping to see something in the next budget’.
“But it makes things difficult, especially in the winter months.”
While Mr Owen said the unit had adequate equipment, he said the unit desperately needs a facility in which they can train more volunteers.
“We’ve had to push back basic training for the latest intake, because we just don’t have the capacity,” he said.
Mr Owen said the often rely too heavily on neighbouring units when they are inundated.
Deputy Premier James Merlino said the Victorian Government had taken consideration of the issues raised.
“I understand that the upgrade to the Emerald SES facility is an important issue for the community,” Mr Merlino said.
“And the Andrews Labor Government will consider this request as part of future budget deliberations.
“I will continue to monitor the situation closely and work to ensure that the Emerald SES has the support it needs to provide what is an invaluable service for our local community.”
