A Chiltern SES member is urging Indigo Shire residents to get behind councillors who support full funding of the service as the October elections approach.
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Marc Egan, whose views stand separate to his unit, said councillors Jenny O'Connor, Emmerick Teissl and Bernard Gaffney voted against an amendment in the draft budget that included $40,550 for the SES.
“I don’t represent the SES in any way, but I am a volunteer and also a CFA volunteer – there’s a few things going on causing distress within those communities,” he said.
“I’m hoping to make people aware of it … the funding will be coming up again in 12 months’ time.”
Mr Egan said he was worried the three units across the shire could be in trouble without unanimous support.
If the SES isn’t there when someone is trapped on a roof, there is no one
- Chiltern SES member Marc Egan
“If one more councillor (voted against) we would be in the same position as Towong,” he said.
“To the best of my knowledge, Towong is basically self-funding.
“SES does fundraising sausage sizzles and that type of thing, so they have money in the bank, but when that money runs out, what’s going to happen?
“If the SES isn’t there when someone is trapped on a roof, there is no one – that isn’t a job for the CFA, ambulance or police.
“It’s a critical service and it’s definitely under-valued.”
SES funding was one of three items in the amendment to be included in the budget.
Cr Teissl said his “against” vote was in relation to $37,000 for youth services.
“That’s not reflected in the minutes of the meeting – they give you a decision, not why the decision was made or the debate,” he said.
“It always does (put you between a rock and a hard place) but unfortunately, you have to vote.
“I’d like to see going forward what the model will be for the SES and I’ve been trying quite vigorously to have them sit down with me.”
Mr Egan said he didn’t accept Cr Teissl’s reasoning and urged members of the community to think hard about their vote in the October elections.
“I don’t accept that, as he could have made a motion to separate the two things as an issue,” he said.
“Those same councillors may be re-elected, but I want them to know it’s not acceptable not to support emergency services as a hole.”