St Leonards crew celebrates fire station news

ST LEONARDS-Indented Head CFA will get a new state-of-the-art volunteer fire station thanks to a $2.2 million state government funding boost announced on Monday.

The new station on Murradoc Road will replace the existing 38-year-old building which is in poor condition and lacks space to adequately accommodate vehicles and emergency equipment.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the new building will include improved amenities for volunteers of all genders and provide greater access and facilities for members with disabilities.

The building design also incorporates areas for meetings, training and other relevant needs.

Ms Neville described the new station as a massive investment for St Leonards which would ensure the local CFA and its selfless volunteers were equipped and ready for any weather event.

“We continue to deliver on our promise of investing in the future of the CFA, we provided $800,000 to secure the land in Murradoc Road, in preparation for a new state-of-the-art station.

“I congratulate and thank the St Leonards CFA, under the leadership of Captain Niki Habibis, for their ongoing commitment in protecting their community and surrounding region.”

The St Leonards–Indented Head station is one of 16 being replaced under the state government’s $126 million CFA capability funding which aims to provide the CFA with greater capability in critical areas, including new volunteer training programs in health and safety and leadership and 50 new dual cab appliances with burn over defensive systems.

It also includes funding for a trial of respiratory equipment to protect volunteer firefighters from the harmful effects of bushfire smoke, new personal protective clothing for every active operational volunteer firefighter, as well as a range of brigade support measures.

“As part of our fire reforms, we’re providing CFA with the critical funding and resources it needs to ensure brigades like St Leonards are ready for current and future fire seasons,” Ms Neville said.

“Our CFA volunteers work tirelessly to protect their communities, so it’s important that they have the facilities they need to support the fire response.”