By Marcus Uhe
The Community Safety Building Authority has confirmed they are yet to acquire land for an SES Unit in Clyde.
In the 2017-18 State Budget, $2 million was promised for an SES Unit to be established in Clyde
A further $28.5 million was provided in the 2022/23 State Budget to maintain facilities for SES volunteers, upgrade priority vehicles and help volunteers respond to floods and other emergencies.
“CSBA are pursuing a suitable site with appropriate due diligence underway,” a government spokesperson said on Monday 26 September.
“This includes investigating a co-location opportunity with a new station for Clyde CFA.”
A parcel of land on Cranbourne-Frankston Road was acquired earlier this year for an SES Unit in Cranbourn – a project promised as part of the 2017-18 State Budget, like its Clyde equivalent.
Settlement on land for a brand new 24-hour police station for Clyde North occurred in May 2022, on Matterhorn Drive, in close proximity to the promised Clyde North Fire Station.
The police station was a 2018 election promise from the Labor Party, with an expected completion date in 2022.
Liberal candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown said Labor was all excuses and no action.
“The issue here is not a lack of land, rather a lack of any solid commitment by Labor.
“Labor promised an SES unit in Clyde SES, but never delivered it. Labor promised a Clyde North Police Station, but never delivered it.
“Clyde residents have been ignored for too long, and if elected as the Member for Bass, I look forward to working with Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Brad Battin on this important local issue.”
Mr Brown also confirmed a Liberal Government would build the police station at Clyde North.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale was contacted for comment.
The Narre Warren SES Unit, which currently services residents in the City of Casey, will be responsible for training the new volunteers at Cranbourne and Clyde.
If you’re interested in volunteering, head to ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer or call 1300 VICSES (1300 842 737).
