Keep the Men's Shed at the Karoola Fire Station

The petition of the undersigned residents of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House:

The former Karoola Fire Station at Turners Marsh is currently proposed for sale by the State Fire Commission.

The building is currently used as the workshop for a Men's Shed and for other local community activities. Following the Brigade's departure in 2022, Tasmania Fire Service put forward the idea that the former station would ultimately be transferred or otherwise made available for community use. The Men's Shed has since invested years maintaining and caring for the building, preventing it from falling into disrepair.

The Men's Shed provides a place where local people meet, build friendships, share practical skills and undertake projects that benefit the wider community. In a rural community, this provides valuable social connection and helps people remain active and involved. The proposed sale would remove an established community facility and disregard the substantial contribution the local community has already made to maintaining the property.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House call on the Government to honour the original intention:

• Suspend the proposed sale of the former Karoola Fire Station at Turners Marsh; and
• Work with the Men's Shed to secure the property for ongoing community use through an appropriate transfer or long-term lease arrangement.