Ground broken on St Leonards Fire Station

CONSTRUCTION has started on a new fire station to service the north-east corner of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Earlier this week, Bellarine MP Lisa Neville visited the site on Murradoc Road to break ground for the t Leonards–Indented Head Fire Station.

The new station, which is being supported by the state government, will provide crews with the modern facility they deserve to do their important work, which is better suited to the needs of brigade members and the surrounding community.

It replaces the existing fire station in St Leonards, which was built in the 1980s.

The new station will include three generously-sized engine bays with drive-through access, a multi-purpose room for meetings and trainings and a well-equipped office space.

It will also feature better safety features such as more storage, breathing apparatus cleaning facilities and a drying room, and modern amenities that have disability acess and female-friendly facilities.

The St Leonards–Indented Head Fire Brigade was formed in 1943 and presently has 19 volunteer members, including eight operational firefighters.

The brigade responds to an average of 37 emergency calls per year and plays a vital support role to brigades in surrounding areas.

Members of the St Leonards–Indented Head Brigade have been involved in several significant events, including the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, the 2009 Black Saturday fires, and the 2019-20 bushfires in NSW and East Gippsland.

“A brand new fire station for St Leonards-Indented heads is just another way we are supporting our incredible emergency services workers and delivering the resources and facilities they need to protect our community,” Ms Neville said.

“This is an exciting milestone for the brigade whose members are so dedicated to serving their community.”