Michaela Meade
EXCLUSIVE
Millions of dollars worth of emergency services facilities pledged for Craigieburn between 2016 and 2018 are yet to be built.
In December 2016, the state government pledged to build a new ambulance station to help improve response times in the area, as part of a $500 million funding injection for ambulance services.
Then in May 2017, the government pledged to build a new SES station in Craigieburn north, as part of a $12 million investment in new SES headquarters for six suburbs.
In April 2018, the government announced $13 million for a new integrated fire station, which would house career and volunteer firefighters.
Last week, the state government said all three projects remain in the land acquisition phase.
Northern Metropolitan Liberal MP Craig Ondarchie offered to show the government “where land is for the stations“.
He described the delays in delivering the projects as “frustrating“.
“They overpromise and underdeliver,“ he told Star Weekly.
“What we get, particularly in areas taken for granted like Craigieburn, is excuse, after excuse, after excuse.“
Star Weekly understands that a site for the new SES headquarters was initially identified next to the Kalkallo CFA, but was found to be unsuitable. Another site for the facility has since been identified, with investigations under way.
Last week, a government spokesperson said that land was in the process of being acquired for the ambulance station.
““After an extensive search, land in Craigieburn is in the process of being acquired for a new ambulance station giving paramedics in Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs the safe and modern facilities they need to respond to emergencies faster and save lives.“
Star Weekly believes the location will be announced soon.
The ambulance station was one of six stations across Melbourne– including at Mernda – that the government pledged to build in December 2016. The Mernda ambulance station opened in June 2019.
In December 2016, then Ambulance Services Minister Jill Hennessy said the new ambulance station would ensure “people in Craigieburn get the right emergency care, quickly, when they need it“.
Hume council’s corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said the council was working with Fire Rescue Victoria to facilitate a location for the new fire station.
Hume councillor Jodi Jackson said: “You just pray that there is actual delivery on all pledges made because our community is growing fast and the demand for emergency services grows with it.
“Pledges are nice, but delivery in a timely manner is imperative.”
The government did not respond to questions asking it to explain the delays in finding land for the ambulance and fire stations.
