Geelong Council and Victorian Government Clash Over Delayed Fire Station After Fatal Blaze

The City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian state government traded blame over long-standing delays to a promised fire station in Armstrong Creek, following a fatal house fire in the suburb on Saturday. A 65-year-old man died in the weekend blaze, coming eight years after the state government first pledged to build the facility as an "absolute priority" after a previous fatal house fire in 2017.

United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall reported that emergency crews were called to Saturday's fire at 2:54 a.m. A Country Fire Authority crew from neighboring Grovedale arrived at 3:05 a.m., followed by a Fire Rescue Victoria crew from Belmont at 3:07 a.m. Marshall noted that the proposed site for the new station is located just four and a half kilometers from the incident. Currently, a fire truck operates out of temporary fencing across from the designated site.

Dispute Over Development Delays

Days before the fatal fire, an unattributed state government statement attributed delays at the preferred Boundary Road site to approval processes by the council and service authorities. However, a June letter from City of Greater Geelong CEO Ali Wastie to the emergency services minister rejected those assertions, stating the government purchased land that lacked necessary servicing infrastructure, such as drainage.

Wastie wrote that it was neither accurate nor appropriate to hold the city responsible for constraints arising from the government's decision to acquire undeveloped land. Speaking on Sunday, Wastie reiterated concerns over the project's omission from the state government's recent budget, urging that the station be made an immediate priority.

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj also refuted the government's claims, stating the state purchased land in an undeveloped area lacking services, with settlement on the purchase still pending. Kontelj urged all parties to set aside political disputes and prioritize construction in Geelong's fastest-growing area, emphasizing that lives remain at risk until the facility is completed.

Government and Political Response

Two days prior to the incident, Premier Ben Carroll was questioned in Geelong regarding unfulfilled commitments, including the fire station. Carroll cited his recent record over his three months in office, stating that while improvements can always be made, he remains focused on financial responsibility and service delivery for the region.

Responding to inquiries on Sunday, a state Labor spokesperson expressed condolences to the victim's family and friends, characterizing the fire as a tragic incident. Additional comments from the party asserted that Armstrong Creek remains well protected and served by nearby CFA and FRV brigades.