FRV pulls appeal for fire station opposite Serendip Sanctuary

FIRE Services Victoria will not be establishing a new fire station opposite Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary in Lara after the fire rescue service withdrew its VCAT appeal.

The decision to withdraw its application for a new Lara-based station comes as the statewide fire and rescue service received significant resistance from the local community, which the City of Greater Geelong has celebrated as a win.

Serendip Sanctuary is a 250-hectare protected area in near the You Yangs and the town of Lara, some 22 kilometres north of Geelong.

The sanctuary is enclosed within Windemere Road, Forest Road North, Flinders Avenue and Plains Road.

Planning Committee chair, Windemere Ward councillor and Lara resident for more than 40 years, Kylie Grzybek, said the committee is fully supportive of the state’s fire services work protecting the community, however, the planning permit’s rejection came down to a balancing act between the sanctuary, the community and the proposed fire station.

“This decision was always about getting the balance right and we’re so happy to get the right outcome for the Lara community,” Cr Grzybek said.

“Serendip Sanctuary is home to hundreds of native animals, including rare and endangered species and we felt it was important to protect this habitat.

“This news is a real win for the local community and a credit to those who lobbied against the proposal.”

The withdrawal of the appeal submitted to VCAT by Fire Rescue Victoria, which had been lodged after the committee’s refusal of a permit in June last year, confirmed the position that the emergency services facility was not in line with the vision of Lara’s community, according to the city.

The Planning Committee, made up of councillors, voted unanimously to refuse the permit.

The committee’s decision came down to three important factors.

Environmental protection for the local wildlife within the sanctuary, preserving the rural feel of the area, and listening to the views of Lara’s residents.

“This was just the wrong spot in terms of the zoning of the area and the impacts on the native habitat,” Windemere Ward councillor Anthony Aitken said.

“It would cause too much disruption to local wildlife and natural aspects of Serendip, which is a place that is treasured by many people, and we have a responsibility to protect it.

“Well done to Fire Services Victoria for recognising the community was clearly against this proposal and withdrawing its appeal to VCAT.”

For more information on Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary, head to www.parks.vic.gov.au.