Junortoun Fire Brigade’s new multi-million-dollar station was officially opened today.
Brigade members joined Captain Heath Martin, Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Thompson, and The Hon. Jacinta Allan to celebrate the special occasion.
The new $2.5 million state-of-the-art facility has replaced the previous station which was over 30 years old.
The former station, located across the road, no longer met the needs of the growing brigade.
The project was funded by $1.6 million of State Government funding from the Emergency Services Local Infrastructure Program in the 2019 Budget, along with an additional $900,000 provided through the Emergency Services Refurbishment Program in 2020.
The new station will enable Junortoun Fire Brigade's 40 strong membership to better service the growing community, according to Captain Heath Martin.
“Not only will this new station meet the needs of our current members, we expect it will also meet the future needs of the brigade and community,” he said.
“We have seen considerable residential growth in our response area, which in turn has seen the requirements of the brigade change significantly.
“In 2010, the brigade responded to 12 grass and scrub fires, compared to the current average of 55 incidents per year, including road accidents and structure fires.”
This increase in structural fires has seen the brigade’s Breathing Apparatus (BA) capability grow.
“That’s one of the great benefits of this new facility, that we now have a dedicated Breathing Apparatus (BA) cleaning area.
“This is a welcome change from the old station, where we had to wash our BA in the sink.”
In addition to the BA cleaning facilities, the new station also features a three-bay drive through motor room, dedicated male and female change rooms, storage areas, modern amenities, and meeting rooms.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Thompson said Junortoun Fire Brigade is an active brigade that responds to multiple callouts in their area, as well as supporting agency partners within the surrounding area.
“This new station will be an asset to the thriving Junortoun Fire Brigade, allowing our volunteers to continue doing what they do best – protecting lives and property,” said DCO Thompson.
“I would like to thank the brigade for their invaluable service to their local community and beyond.”
Captain Heath Martin with Commander Steve Pannell-
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