Land acquired for new emergency services hub

HEATHCOTE’S new Emergency Services Hub has moved a step closer to fruition after Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes visited last week to announce that land has been secured for the facility.

The co-located facility will be built on Herriot Street, a site chosen by both CFA and VICSES.

The current CFA and SES facilities were severely affected in the October 2022 floods and both agencies are facing growing demand as the Heathcote area grows.

The new facility, which has been designed in consultation with CFA and VICSES will provide space for their combined 70 members to respond, train and plan for future emergencies.

The facility will feature seven drive-through motor bays and two ancillary sheds.

Each agency will have its own administrative offices, turnout areas, laundry and stand down area as well as shared facilities that include a training room, kitchen and storage areas.

The new hub will be the first co-located facility in Victoria.

“When emergencies hit their community, Heathcote’s volunteers drop everything to protect it,” said Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes.

“Not only will this new hub help existing firefighters and VICSES, but it will also help attract new volunteers to a rewarding job keeping their community safe.”

1st Lieutenant from Heathcote CFA, Jim Staggard, said both agencies are excited to finally have the land secured for the new facility.

“It has been a long-winded process, and it is good to finally move forward,” he said.

“The CFA has operated in Heathcote for 120 years and we have outgrown this building despite several add-ons.

“The town is growing, and the new facility will also enable us to acquire new equipment and trucks so we can better serve the town.

“We are pleased to be working together with VICSES. We have a great relationship.

“There will be joint training exercises and other benefits which will be advantageous to both agencies.”

Heathcote CFA Fire Brigade has a long and proud history, operating since 1902 and now with 45 members.

The brigade has attended many significant fire events, including the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, the Gippsland fires in 2019/20, and floods in 2010/11 and 2022.

The Heathcote VICSES Unit was established in 1985 and currently has 25 volunteers who respond to a significant number of road crash rescues every year, with 172 requests for assistance each year.

More than $23 million has been provided by the Labor Government for new emergency services hubs in Heathcote and Rochester, which also sustained flood damage.

“Our emergency services work as one and this fantastic new facility will ensure they can keep working together to keep Victorians safe,” said Ms Allan.