Community
2 October, 2025
There's land but no money to build: Charlton CFA still waiting
A CFA spokesperson said while they were high up on the list, the wait for a new home had “no timeline”.
AFTER years of being told they’re a priority, the Charlton CFA is still waiting for a new fire station.
One that will be big enough to house vital equipment - like their 2020 Iveco Eurocargo Tanker
And it seems that wait won’t be over any time soon.
A CFA spokesperson said while they were high up on the list, the wait for a new home had “no timeline”.
“CFA endeavours to upgrade and replace stations across the state in an equitable manner to support volunteer brigades and the communities they serve,” they said in a statement.
“The Charlton Fire Station is a priority for replacement, and the acquisition of land in late 2022 marks a significant step forward.
“However, construction of this project is not currently funded and has no timeframe for funding.”
While the CFA spokesperson said the Charlton Fire Station was “included in its overall infrastructure funding submission for the 2025/26 cycle”, ultimately it wasn’t up to them.
“CFA continues to work closely with CFA Districts and Regions to identify priority stations for investment,” they said.
“Final budget considerations are a matter for the Government.”
They weren’t the only ones to hit out at the government.
After initially showing her support for the cause back in November 2024, Mildura MP Jade Benham said the Charlton CFA situation is “absolutely appalling”.
“The current station was fine in the 1930’s, but times have changed, community needs have changed,” she said.
“It proves once again that Labor can’t manage our emergency services, their fleet or infrastructure.
“If the Allan Labor Government is going to continue to use regional Victoria as a cash cow with their emergency services tax, and bulldoze their way through with poles and wires, surely they need to at least invest in the bare minimum.”
The state government’s controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) passed the upper house back in May.
The new tax would be charged alongside council rates and replaces the cheaper fire services levy. It will raise funds for fire services, the State Emergency Service, triple-0 and the state control centre.
All landholders in Victoria would pay more for the ESVF, but farmers in particular are facing increases of tens of thousands of dollars.
This triggered a number of protests across the state and raging backlash from locals.
An estimated 1000 volunteers and supporters rallied against the tax in Bendigo back in September and later drove a convoy of fire trucks and tractors through the centre of the the city.
CFA members from St Arnaud Group were among a strong district contingent and included Charlton brigade captain Craig Walsh.
Ms Benham said she will continue to advocate for the brigade.
“I have met with the brigade and their CFA captain on a number of occasions and will continue to fight for our fair share,” she said.
Ms Benham said with the looming warmer months, this upgrade was dire.
“In our hot, dry summers, brigades simply don’t have time to waste,” she said.
“Every minute counts when lives and homes are on the line.”
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