The start of construction to build the new Golden Square Fire Station was marked with a sod turn event today.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP joined District 2 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Alcock and brigade members to dig some dirt to mark the special occasion.
The new facility will feature four drive through engine bays, a turnout room and change room areas for both male and female members, a multipurpose room and brigade office plus an added ‘work from home’ office, gender neutral and accessible amenities, a laundry and drying room, and workshop facilities.
There will also be an external rear training yard and hose drying tower and a large external three-bay storage shed.
The station will be larger in size and more modern which will better accommodate the brigade’s needs well into the future.
Golden Square Fire Brigade is made up of 53 volunteer members (11 females and 42 males), of which 25 are operational firefighters who respond to an average of 190 emergency call-outs per year.
CFA District 2 Assistant Chief Fire Officer said the new building will replace a 114 year-old heritage listed fire station on High Street which was small and no longer met the requirements of the brigade.
“The new station will include improved amenities for all volunteers and more areas for meetings, training and other firefighting needs,” he said.
“Our volunteers work hard to protect their growing community so it’s important we are able to provide them with adequate facilities to support their fire response.”
The new $5.66 million Golden Square Fire Station was funded under the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding Program which includes $98,940 brigade contribution.
Golden Square Captain Bryan Greenwood said the new station will be a great asset for not only the brigade, but for the community as well.
“We’re excited to mark the start to the building process,” he said.
“Being located on Specimen Hill Road on a larger site will provide greater accessibility for the brigade and the new facilities will help us better serve our local community.”
The new Golden Square Fire Station is expected to be complete in August next year.