VOLUNTEER heroes putting their own lives on the line to help others have once again been snubbed by the state government.
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The Port Fairy SES and the Port Fairy CFA have been pleading for funds to relocate from their premises for a number of years.
However, the calls have once again fallen on deaf ears.
Port Fairy SES unit controller Steve McDowell said the group had been lobbying for funds for more than six years. He said the unit's home base was in a state of disrepair and only offered limited space.
"The building leaks when it rains," Mr McDowell said.
He said the unit feared it may be left without a home because Moyne Shire had expressed its intention to take over the site in the future.
"Our wish is to relocate with the CFA to the current ambulance station," Mr McDowell said.
"There will come a time when the shire will want us to move out.
"We've looked around Port Fairy for another suitable site on a short-term basis but there really is nothing that meets our requirements."
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Mr McDowell said the unit was in a strong position with 16 operational members who respond to between 120 and 140 calls a year.
"We've got strong membership and we're financially sound - it's funding for a new facility that is our main issue," he said.
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell said the SES and CFA bases were well below standard.
"The Port Fairy CFA and SES volunteers provide an essential emergency service not only to Port Fairy, but to other areas in the surrounding district," Ms Britnell said.
"They deserve facilities that meet their needs."
Ms Britnell said there was a real possibility that the Port Fairy SES would be left without a home base.
"True to form, the Labor government continues to disrespect the men and women who give up their time to provide essential emergency services for our community."
The fire station is 160 years old and it is too small for the newer style vehicles, making it a challenging task to drive the trucks in and out of the shed.
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