Community
29 April, 2026
‘One hurdle down’ on long road to CFA’s new shed
“We will stand by the brigade to do what we can to get that station built in a timely manner."
CHARLTON is one step closer to getting its new fire station.
But the wait isn’t over yet according to captain Craig Walsh.
Following the State Government’s announcement it would invest $148.6 million into CFA’s fleet, fire stations and equipment, Mr Walsh said there was a moment of relief.
“Look it is exciting, we’re appreciative, but it is just one hurdle,” he said.
“We shouldn’t be used to waiting, but because we are, it makes us question how long it will actually be until we can see the shed in front of us.
“We won’t relax until that build starts.”
Over ten years, $100 million will go toward building more tankers and pumpers to assist with firefighting efforts, while an additional $26 million will be allocated to help facilitate new, purpose-built facilities for CFA members.
Brigade members from Charlton, Lakes Entrance, Barongarook West, Nar Nar Goon, Beveridge, Dereel, Mirboo North, Kingston, Woodvale and Yarrambat will benefit from the budget expansion through new station builds, planning, land acquisition or upgrades.
A further $22.4 million will be dedicated toward CFA members’ wellbeing support, updating their personal protective equipment (PPE) and for training purposes.
While Charlton has been referred to as “a priority” by both the Emergency Services minister Vicki Ward and the CFA, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan couldn’t confirm it would be first to be built.
“In every district, there will be one brigade at the top of their list,” he said.
“We have to distille that into a state-wide priority list, but we work in partnership with Community Safety Building Authority.
“I absolutely know and appreciate the plight of the Charlton Fire Brigade, in fact I’ve spoken to them many times and continue to receive their advocacies for their local community.
“It’s absolutely honourable and just shows the connectivity they have for their local community. Now that we have the funding secured... we have the block of land, now we can work with the building authority to get those planning appovals.
“Once we have them, we can actually build these stations pretty quickly.”
Mr Heffernan said Buloke Shire Council would also have to be part of the next step in the building journey.
Mayor Graeme Milne said council would not be the one to stand in the way of the station.
“We know how long Charlton has waited and how much work they’ve put into this new station,” he said.
“We will stand by the brigade to do what we can to get that station built in a timely manner.
“I will be discussing with our CEO about what permits have been submitted in the past and where they are at and work out next steps from there.”
While the CFA Volunteers Group called the announcment “overdue and welcome”, it raises questions about transparency, timing and who is paying.
“Why it has taken this long to act, and why now.
“Of the reported $365 million package, only around $149 million is directed toward the CFA and that is spread over ten years.”
“When you break that down, it will do little to address the real and immediate challenges. Funding stretched over a decade does not fix today’s problems.”
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