Work begins on new fire station at Portarlington

CONSTRUCTION is officially under way on the new CFA fire station at Portarlington.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville turned the first sod earlier this week of what will be a state-of-the-art station, with completion set for July this year.

The $2.1 million state government-funded project has seen the demolition of the previous station at the same site.

The new facility will boast a modern three-bay drive-through station with a workshop, storage room, change rooms, large meeting room and brigade and district offices.

The expanded premises will also contain a protective equipment room, as well as a hose drying tower and a pumping pit in the rear yard.

“Firefighters at Portarlington do a fantastic job protecting the community and this new station will give them the space and facilities they need to enhance the area’s emergency response capabilities,” Ms Neville said.

“The Victorian government is supporting our emergency services personnel by giving them what they need to save lives and to protect property.”

Ms Neville said the Portarlington Fire Brigade had been serving the local community since 1950, and this new station would help local CFA members continue their outstanding work.

While the new station is being completed, the brigade has relocated to a local church property with appliances housed in a secure yard.