From the SMH: The ACT's emergency services agency has denied union allegations that it is planning to close fire stations overnight. The concept of making some Canberra fire stations part-time was first raised last year, during a string of reviews underpinning a major structural overhaul of the Emergency Services Agency. … [Read more...]
Firefighters could be forced to borrow unregistered truck from CSIRO to fight multistorey fires
From the Canberra Times Under-resourced firefighters could be forced to borrow an unregistered truck from the CSIRO's Tidbinbilla site 45 minutes away if multiple multistorey fires broke out across Canberra, the United Firefighters Union ACT has revealed. … [Read more...]
United Firefighters Launch New Campaign to Rescue Canberra’s Future
The ACT United Firefighters Union has launched the 'ACT on Fire - Rescue Canberra's Future' Campaign. The ACT Fire and Rescue is understaffed, under resourced and under-prepared for the next major bush fire emergency. We are calling on all ACT election candidates to support a properly resourced and well organised Fire and Rescue service so we can continue to protect … [Read more...]
Cabinet reversed decision to favour ‘basic’ Fairbairn ESA headquarters proposal
Cabinet reversed a decision to build its new emergency services headquarters in Hume to favour an unsolicited bid that Treasury had strongly criticised. In the wake of the 2003 bushfires, the ACT government resolved to build a new co-located headquarters for the Emergency Services Agency. … [Read more...]
ACT firefighters union warns more firies needed, Canberra community at risk
From the ABC: The United Firefighters Union (UFU) has warned 100 extra firefighters are needed to meet the demands of the Canberra community. The UFU ACT branch launched its election campaign at Mt Stromlo Observatory, where it urged voters to consider firefighters when they head to the polls. UFU ACT branch secretary Greg McConville urged voters to support the … [Read more...]