Purpose-built SES station pledged

BANNOCKBURN SES Unit members have been lobbying for funding support to move to their own fit-for-purpose station, and the Labor Party has promised to assist them.

Candidate for Geelong Christine Couzens announced last week that if Labor re-forms government later in the month, a brand-new SES station will be built in Bannockburn, worth $7.16 million.

“The brave and hardworking SES members in the Golden Plains keep our community safe, and a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will make sure they have the facilities and equipment they need to keep protecting our community in storms and natural disasters,” Ms Couzens said.

“Only a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will make sure SES members in Bannockburn have the headquarters they deserve.”

Bannockburn SES has been co-located with Bannockburn CFA for 27 years, and the units together have outgrown the crowded accommodation, which only has room for three vehicles, has one toilet, no showers, or locker space.

The CFA has four vehicles, and the SES has three vehicles, with one not garaged and deteriorating on a member’s property.

A New Build Team was formed by Bannockburn SES, with members ramping up a campaign to lobby for financial backing earlier this year.

The SES has standard modular designs, which are expandable, and earlier in 2022, unit members said a four-bay facility would be appropriate to respond to emergencies across the rapidly growing district.