Fire station staffing cuts a risky move says Elliot
CUTS to NSW Fire and Rescue service prompted Richmond MP Justine Elliot to call on Tweed MP Geoff Provest to make sure the stations in the Tweed will remain maintained.
State Shadow Minister Walt Secord and Mrs Elliot visited the Tweed Heads Fire Station last week.
Following the announcement of $70 million slashed from the budget the Fire Brigade Employees' Union said the station officer position will no longer be replaced when staff are on planned leave.
Mrs Elliot said this meant at least 10 fire stations in the state would be closed for certain periods.
"Fire stations and firefighters across the state are feeling the impact of the $70 million cuts to Fire and Rescue NSW," Mr Secord said.
"This is putting the community safety at risk."
Mrs Elliot said the O'Farrell Government is closing down fire stations and not replacing firefighters who call in sick or are on leave.
"Closing fire stations is cost-cutting gone mad," Mrs Elliot said.
Mr Secord and Mrs Elliot said they were calling on Mr Provest to ensure that staff hours are maintained and not reduced by a single hour.
