THE State Government has continued its flurry of pre-election announcements by committing to the expansion of firefighting operations at Mount Gambier Fire Station.
The long-awaited announcement will result in the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) station being staffed with fire-ready crews on weekends for the first time and the doubling of full-time staff numbers.
This is expected to trim response times to house fires, commercial blazes and other unfolding emergencies.
At the moment, the station is only staffed five-days-a-week by permanent staff during business hours.
Outside of these times, 25 retained (part-time) firefighters respond to call-outs on a rostering system.
Mount Gambier MFS station officer Jason Draper said the expanded hours were needed given the city’s population and industry growth.
“The announcement is a significant enhancement to community safety while ensuring more resources to protect the community in which we serve,” Mr Draper said yesterday.
He said the change would see the doubling of full-time staff numbers and a 12-hour seven-days-per-week roster.
“A four days on and four days off shift cycle is a fantastic commitment to the Limestone Coast,” the senior firefighter said.
“Over recent years the firefighters’ skill sets, qualifications and equipment have increased significantly and this will continue in the future.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell – who has lobbied for the expansion – yesterday welcomed the announcement, claiming it would lead to a safer community and faster response times by firefighters.
Under the government’s plan, Mr Bell said a second full-time shift of firefighters would be added that would double from the current 40 hours per week.
Mr Bell said it was just one step towards achieving a 24-hour permanent staff roster at the station.
“This is an issue that was pushed by my predecessor Don Pegler and myself and I congratulate the government for making the announcement,” he said.
But Mr Bell said he was disappointed the government took so long to respond to the need given the review in 2013.
“The government needs to respond faster to reviews,” the MP said.
Arguing Mount Gambier was home to a number of large manufacturing sites and many incidents occurred outside the permanent staff roster, he said 24-hour coverage at the station was needed.
“But the 24-hour proposal is much more expensive given an accommodation facility would have to be built,” Mr Bell said.
Emergency Services Minister Chris Picton said the decision would increase community safety.
“The Mount Gambier MFS Station will now have crews at the station seven-days-a-week, up from the five-days-a-week current roster,” Mr Picton said.
“This is a fantastic boost to community safety and is part of the government’s commitment to provide the best resources and support to our emergency services.”
MFS regional operations assistant chief officer Phil Kilsby said the MFS had capably served Mount Gambier for nearly 100 years.
“In modern times the population is expanding, causing industry and businesses to grow, meaning additional firefighting resources are required to protect and serve the community,” Mr Kilsby said.
“This is great news for the region and a significant enhancement of community safety.”
The MFS has served the Mount Gambier community for close to 96 years, with the original station being established in March 1922.
The current station was opened in April 2000.
