Vasse MLA Libby Mettam calls for action on new career firefighting station ambitions amid growth pressures

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam says the Capes region’s blistering growth demands serious consideration of a full-time professional fire brigade. The State Government set land aside in Vasse for a future career fire station a decade ago, but the Busselton-based MP and former Liberal Party leader said it was time to advance the planning for a new Department of Fire and Emergency Services station. “This region is a high-risk bushfire area and this, together with the ongoing population growth support the need for a new career fire station,” she said. “The local volunteer firefighters continue to do a fantastic job protecting the Capes region and they will need supporting into the future. “The Cook Labor Government need to ensure planning is undertaken in the near future.” It comes as work advances on a new fire station in Margaret River, replacing the old one on Willmott Avenue, though DFES told the Times it had no intention of making the new base a home for a career brigade. Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said any new career firefighting capacity would be determined by population growth and infrastructure needs. Ms Mettam previously called for career brigades in 2019 after more prescribed burns escaped control, creating havoc across the region. But reforms motivated by the Keelty report into the 2011 Margaret River bushfires focused instead on bringing more brigades under DFES control and increasing resources, training and personnel in volunteer brigades, some of which were “dual use”. Capes local government chiefs saluted their volunteers rather than back calls for a career base. “We are really fortunate to have a large number of incredible volunteers within the city who deliver a highly capable service,” City of Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said. “These vollies are extremely well supported by multiple agencies such as DFES, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and WA Police, and we enjoy excellent relationships with these agencies which are based on communication and collaboration.” Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Julia Meldrum said the State already had its plans in place. “In the meantime, we’re incredibly fortunate to have dedicated volunteer firefighters keeping our community safe,” she said. DFES had already identified Vasse and was best placed to make those future decisions, she said. DFES said the new Margaret River volunteer brigade centre was expected to become operational towards the end of this year.