BALLARAT East MP Geoff Howard says the Baillieu government has turned its back on the communities of Mt Helen and Mt Clear by not funding a new fire station in this week’s state budget.
Mr Howard described the budget as “bad news” for the Ballarat region and said the fire station would provide better protection to residents.
“Clearly we know a lot of houses in these areas are some of those most at risk in the state, so it is extremely disappointing that there was no funding in the budget,” Mr Howard said.
“Especially when the (Coalition) made a $2.5 million commitment to the fire station in 2010.”
Mr Howard welcomed $46.4 million in funding for the Ballarat Base Hospital helipad, but said only $5.5 million would be spent in the coming financial year.
A spokesperson for Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan said the government would deliver on its commitment for the fire station.
“The 2012-13 budget includes $22.9 million to upgrade CFA station across Victoria, which is on top of funding to upgrade 60 CFA Station allocated last year’s budget.
“As Geoff Howard would be aware, Labor had 11 years to do something about a new CFA station for Mount Helen and failed to do anything.”