Step closer: Land secured for fire brigade’s new home

A NEW CFA station for the St Leonards-Indented Head brigade is another step closer with land secured to support future growth of the brigade.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville made the announcement on June 11, much to the delight of captain Niki Habibis, who said it was am exciting time for the group.
“The officers and members of the St Leonards-Indented Head fire brigade are really excited with the announcement that land has been acquired to build our new fire station.
“This has been a long time coming and is possible thanks to the support of CFA and local MP Lisa Neville. The new station – with modern facilities, will ensure the volunteer members of the brigade can continue to provide a fire and emergency response meeting the needs of our growing community.
“I’ve been captain of the brigade for the past 16 years and look forward to sharing the journey with our community and a facility we can all be proud of.”
In what will be a significant boost for volunteers, the community and visitors, Ms Neville announced CFA had purchased the $800,000 parcel of land at Murradoc Road, St Leonards.
The existing station no longer meets the needs of the growing residential populations in St Leonards and Indented Head, which more than double in size during the summer holiday period.
The funding was delivered through the Victorian Government’s $43 million 2018/19 budget commitment to upgrade and build new CFA, Victoria State Emergency Service and Life Saving Victoria facilities.
The government has provided almost $100 million in funding for infrastructure and training for CFA over the past four years, with CFA’s budget now at record levels.
St Leonards-Indented Head CFA is a volunteer brigade consisting of 18 members with a proud history of serving the local community, Ms Habibis joins Barwon Heads captain Helen Woods, as one of the few female captains in Victoria.
While the station still provides a high level of service to the community, planning is under way for the new station that will meet the requirements of the brigade in protecting the community well into the future.
The brigade responded to 28 incidents in the past financial year and continue to play vital role in education, community initiatives and events.
“This land acquisition is a significant boost for the local community and
CFA brigade, which plays such a vital role in the local community,” Ms Neville said.
“We’re providing volunteers with the resources and tools they need to keep doing their excellent work
keeping themselves and the community safe.
“As the Bellarine Peninsula’s population continues to grow, it’s important that we plan for the future.”