In February 2015, following a meeting where Stonehaven brigade members learned about the projected future population growth within their primary response area, the brigade began discussions about the suitability of the current station and what it might need in 20 years time.
One major concern raised during the discussions was access to and from the station via a very busy road. Any future increase in population and subsequent traffic would only make this access more hazardous for the fire trucks and responding members.
Then in July 2016, First Lieutenant Dean Harding approached Adelaide Brighton Cement Ltd, the company which leases the land to the brigade, about the possibility of modifying the station lease to include the parcel of land that extends west to the side road. Having this land would allow trucks and members to access the station from a quieter road.
Adelaide Brighton Cement's Group Financial Controller, John Oaks, was very supportive of the idea and the reasons behind it and asked for the proposals in writing so that company executives could consider it. The proposal was then presented to Stonehaven brigade’s Catchment Officer and District 7 Operations Manager.
The council told CFA that, although the land around the station is currently farm land, it's estimated there will be between 40,000 and 50,000 people living there within the next 20 years. In light of this proposed growth, CFA District 7 agreed with the proposed lease extension and commenced the formal process.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Stonehaven Lieutenant Dean Harding and John Oaks's support, the lease extension came to fruition on Wednesday 30 May 2018. The modified lease agreement was signed by John Oaks and CFA Operations Officer Geoff McGill, for an additional 1900 square metres of land adjacent to the existing fire station.
The Brigade wishes to thank Adelaide Brighton Cement Ltd and District 7 headquarters wishes to congratulate the brigade on its initiative and success in building such a strong relationship with its community.