General News
13 May, 2026
Pressure on for new CFA shed promise
“This announcement has been a long time coming, but the community and I are anxious to see the detail,” Ms Benham said.
WHILE funding for Charlton’s new CFA station has been welcomed, Mildura MP Jade Benham wants to ensure construction starts soon.
She said the inclusion of Charlton CFA in the State Government’s $26.2 million announcement for CFA station builds, planning, land acquisition and upgrades is long overdue, and comes after years of neglect of regional emergency services infrastructure.
“This announcement has been a long time coming, but the community and I are anxious to see the detail,” Ms Benham said.
“But will the Government deliver what our brigade actually needs?”
The current Charlton station, built in 1931, is no longer fit for purpose and can’t accommodate modern firefighting equipment.
In 2021, Charlton CFA received a new tanker that does not fit inside the station and must be stored off-site.
Frustrations boiled over last September when CFA captain Craig Walsh told the NCN Herald he had contacted Emergency Services minister Vicki Ward for help, but to no avail.
He said having to take the new truck from his workshop down the road was adding critical time to responses.
Ms Benham said this was a concern for the community.
“Our firefighters are operating from a station that is outdated, undersized and unsuitable for a modern emergency service,” she said.
“When timeliness is critical, having a tanker parked elsewhere puts lives and property at risk.”
Ms Benham said she first raised the issue in Parliament in 2023 and has continued to press the Government following sustained community campaigning.
“This outcome is the result of strong local advocacy, but the community deserves to see real progress on the ground.”
Ms Benham said she will continue to press for clarity on what this announcement means for Charlton.
“Our CFA volunteers are the backbone of our community. They deserve a purpose-built, modern station that allows them to respond quickly and safely.
“Regional communities should not be left waiting while this government fails to deliver.”
Read More: Charlton