In a concerning development, Victoria's Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) has consistently failed to meet its emergency response targets for structural fires since its inception in 2020. This is particularly alarming as FRV was established to better serve the fast-growing outer suburban areas, which have seen rapid population growth and development.
The agency's data reveals a worrying trend: it has missed its target of reaching 90% of structural fires within the critical seven-minute and 42-second response time every year. This has resulted in a significant increase in budget, with wages alone rising by almost $200 million. However, the United Firefighters Union (UFU) argues that the state government has not provided adequate resources to match the restructuring efforts.
One tragic incident that highlights the urgency of the situation is the fatal house fire in Werribee, where a three-year-old boy, Jordan Dashwood, lost his life. The fire crew's response time was well outside the benchmark, and the closest fire station, Tarneit, was attending another emergency at the time. This incident has sparked a deeper conversation about the challenges faced by FRV in meeting the needs of these rapidly expanding suburban areas.
The Impact of Rapid Suburban Growth
The outer suburban areas, such as Caroline Springs, Tarneit, and Point Cook, have experienced explosive population growth, with new housing estates and road networks. However, the infrastructure and resources have not kept pace with this development. Former emergency management commissioner Craig Lapsley highlights that FRV is facing similar challenges as the CFA, which struggled to serve these areas effectively.
Lapsley emphasizes the need for additional fire trucks and crews to address the increased demand and complexity of calls in these communities. He states, "FRV needs to invest in new and additional resources to meet the growth and new challenges that these new communities create."
Funding and Resource Allocation
The UFU secretary, Peter Marshall, argues that while the restructure was designed to provide 24/7 professional fire coverage to these growing suburbs, the necessary funding has not been allocated. He points out that no new FRV fire stations have been built since 2020, and the existing stations are under-resourced.
Marshall's statement, "A single-appliance station has no depth: the moment its one truck is committed elsewhere, the response that follows comes from further away, and the minutes that decide outcomes are lost," underscores the critical nature of this issue. The lack of depth in resources can have devastating consequences, as seen in the Werribee tragedy.
Political and Industrial Factors
The situation is further complicated by political and industrial factors. The UFU, which secured significant pay rises for firefighters through a long-running industrial battle, is now locked in negotiations for a new pay deal. Additionally, the union is campaigning against the re-election of Labor under Premier Jacinta Allan, adding a layer of political tension to the already complex situation.
Response Times and Performance
Despite the challenges, FRV's spokesperson highlights that the agency is striving to meet the new response time targets in the areas previously served by the CFA. The agency's response times have improved in the past year, and it has consistently exceeded its emergency medical response time target. However, the focus on medical emergencies and road crashes in these areas may impact the fire crew's ability to respond promptly to structural fires.
Conclusion
The ongoing failure of FRV to meet its emergency response targets in Victoria's outer suburbs is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. While the agency is working towards improvement, the rapid growth and development of these areas demand a reevaluation of resource allocation and infrastructure planning. The tragic loss of young Jordan Dashwood serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of delayed emergency responses. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, fire services, and the community, to collaborate and address this issue effectively to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in these expanding suburban areas.
