Port Fairy SES volunteers forced to train in truck bay

The unit's headquarters has a host of problems, including a damaged and leaking ceiling, and mould.

Unit controller Stephen McDowell said members had been forced to tape off the training room due to the risk of the ceiling collapsing.

"In the last few weeks things have deteriorated to the point where we have had to stop members using our training room," Mr McDowell said. The unit needs $2 million to build new headquarters and is lobbying for funds in the state budget.

Mr McDowell said temporary repairs to the building would be carried out in the coming weeks, with Victoria SES covering the costs.

"We've been working with SES management on a solution," he said.

"We've been training in our engine bay and that's far from ideal. The SES is now going to spend some money from their own funds and do some temporary improvements to the building in an effort to make the training room habitable for our members."

Mr McDowell said the unit needs the funds to move to its new site on the Princes Highway.

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell said the situation was now at the point where urgent action was needed by the state government.

"This isn't how we should be treating people who give up their own time and deal with the worst conditions to help keep the community safe," Ms Britnell said.

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