Could Riddells Creek Fire Brigade soon have its new, long-awaited, home at the south-west corner of Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve?
Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire Council released the CFA’s draft proposal to relocate the brigade’s station following a lengthy search for a site.
The Crown land reserve, zoned public park and recreation, at 26-32 Sutherlands Road was the only option not discounted of more than 25 considered.
“The CFA identified challenges with many of the proposed sites, ranging from unsuitable size, potential overlays, unsuitable operational locations and owners unwilling to consider sale, through to traffic impacts, access and potential flooding,” a report to council said.
Needs for both recreational land and a fire brigade operating to its fullest are imperative to the town slated for growth.
Brigade captain Michael Hemingway said the current station at 67 Main Road was “well and truly in need of a replacement”.
“The site no longer meets the needs of the brigade, doesn’t fit our current fleet of tankers and is past its used by date,” Mr Hemingway said.
“Unfortunately the cost of land in Riddells Creek has become exorbitant and availability is limited.”
The brigade was scheduled to receive a replacement heavy tanker in 2019 but was forced to refuse due to the station’s limitations.
Such an upgrade would have delivered larger capacity for water carry and a crew cab (not a luxury of the current vehicle), as well as other comforts such as air conditioning. It was a huge blow for one of the shire’s busiest brigades.
That same year, local MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced the brigade would have a new $3 million station on a larger site by 2021.
The new station was expected to feature a three-bay motor room, support and meeting areas, offices, turn-out areas for firefighters, as well as a kitchen, training yard, communications infrastructure, fencing and a car park.
That promise is now almost one year overdue and the selected site now pending community consultation.
A report to council said community feedback would provide key input in consideration of the CFA’s proposal, or alternatives put forward, and help to identify solutions.
