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Emergency Services | August 15, 2024

Government mismanagement leaves Stawell SES to cover cost blowouts

The Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, has called for urgent state government funding to support Stawell SES, which has been left in financial distress due to Labor mismanaging a refurbishment of the group’s base.

Stawell SES received a grant from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) in 2017 to refurbish their Sloane Street building.

The project is due to be completed in September, however ongoing mismanagement by multiple project managers appointed by the SES head office in Melbourne has seen construction costs blow out during the lengthy project.

Now, the Allan Labor Government is demanding Stawell SES cover a $40,000 shortfall.

“This situation is completely unacceptable. Our dedicated SES volunteers in Stawell, who have given countless hours to protect our community, should not be left to foot the bill for someone else's mismanagement,” Ms Kealy said.

"I am calling for the government to provide immediate funding to cover the shortfall, ensuring Stawell SES can continue its vital work for our community without the added stress of financial hardship.

“Our SES units receive only a tiny amount of government funding each year to run their operations, with the balance coming from fundraising, and it is simply unfair to expect them to dip into their pockets to cover for Labor’s failures.

“Time and again Labor has piled millions of dollars into covering cost blowouts on projects in Melbourne. It is only fair that similar support is extended to rural and regional communities.

“This is yet another example of Labor’s inability to manage money and projects, and Stawell SES and our local residents will pay the price.”