Council push plans to support fire station upgrades in Leschenault

A South West fire brigade is set to get major upgrades after 40 years of operation with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services committing to fund the project. The Shire of Harvey voted to endorse a new funding plan for the Leschenault Bush Fire Brigade in February this year, and said DFES had agreed to the self-supporting loan proposal in which it will pay the shire back over 10 years. Originally built in 1982, the station is now crippled by damp in the walls, a lack of facilities and is damaging the fire truck as it enters and leaves the garage. The station crew has been lobbying for funding for the past five years through DFES, but now have the support to enter the self-supporting $1.2 million loan through the shire. “Council has allocated funding in the 2024–2025 budget for the redevelopment of facilities for the Leschenault BFB building to be funded through the Local Government Grants Scheme over two financial years,” the shire documents said. “The shire subsequently advised DFES that the shire’s preference was for the redevelopment of the Leschenault BFB facility to be funded over two financial years. DFES has now approved a $1.2m self-supporting loan over a 10-year period.” Cr John Bromham pushed for the upgrades at the last council meeting saying he was shocked to learn councillors were not unanimously supporting plans, given all that frontline workers do in the region. Cr Bromham said there were no changing facilities for either the male or female firefighters, and said the door was not tall enough for them to leave the building without potentially damaging their radio equipment. “The brigade has been asking for these issues to be resolved for more than five years,” he said. “For five years we have allowed firefighters to attend fires in vehicles that have sustained damage from our building. “This is a long time in waiting for someone to do the right thing, before someone is hurt or killed.” Cr Bromham said the shortcoming posed a risk to the firefighters, and presented a legal risk to the shire if not addressed. “Council and officers could face legal responsibility if found in breach of their work health and safety obligations,” he said. “If the council does not act on the risk assessment findings from the CEO, they could indeed be held responsible for any work health and safety issues. Cr Craig Carbone said he was torn on the decision, saying he fully supported the LBFB and the work the volunteers do, and how passionate Cr Bromham was about the facilities. However, Cr Carbone said he had an issue with the $1000 DFES levy when receiving his rates. “DFES is rolling in money,” he said. “They get every ratepayer in Western Australia contributing to DFES, and as you know they fully fund fire brigade services in the Shire of Harvey.” Cr Carbone said he believed the loan meant the shire was taking on a risk, with DFES to only pay it back over a decade. “That doesn’t sit comfortable with me,” he said. “With the population in this area now, I think it’s about time DFES took full responsibility of it and the shire gets back to what we’re meant to be doing — roads, rubbish and rates. “And we can’t even get the rubbish bit right after 80 years.” Cr Bromham thanked Cr Carbone for his opinion, but said at the end of the day, they had a duty of care to their firefighters. “That’s the bottom line,” he said. “We spend lots of money on sporting facilities to make sure our community lives long and healthy lives, with changing rooms so both genders can play the sports of their choice. “I think the people that volunteer, and put their lives at risk to protect their communities, should have the same support.” DFES has been contacted for comment.