Work officially underway at new fire station

GROUND was broken at the site of the new Golden Square Fire Station on Tuesday.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, joined the members of the Golden Square Fire Brigade to mark the start of construction, which is due to be completed by the middle of next year.

Local fire chief Captain Brian Greenwood said the new facility had been a long time coming.

“We had funding given to us about three years ago and planning was the next step, and finally something has begun,” he said.

The new building is designed to house four vehicles as well as facilitate training and recruitment activities.

“Over the past three years we’ve had a fair bit to say regarding the building, and a fair bit to help design the building to suit what the brigade needs to go into the future,” Captain Greenwood said.

The brigade’s current home is a 114-year-old building on High Street and the oldest operating fire station in Victoria.

“They were originally designed for the old horse and cart, and we currently have four vehicles parked in what really should be a two-engine bay,” Captain Greenwood said.

The new station is being built at a cost of $5.7 million with initial funding for the project secured in 2021.

Local MP Maree Edwards said there had been some delays including difficulty finding a suitable site and soil contamination.

“That’s been resolved now so it’s all systems go to get that slab laid and get the building up,” she said.

“[The station is] right central in Golden Square so they will be very visible and be able to protect the community much better.”