Above: Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron, in front, with Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, Emerald CFA Captain Paul Yandle and brigade members, back from left, Kevin Hartigan, Mick Barwick, Tony Van Wageningen, Darren Kruger and Tim Penketh welcome the construction on a new station. 44013
By Tania Martin
THE wait for Emerald’s new fire station will soon be over after more than 20 years.
Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron and Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato last week launched the construction of the long-awaited $982,000 station.
Volunteers will no longer have to fight for extra space once the station-house is built.
The current station was built in 1973 and only had enough room for one prime mover.
Brigade Captain Paul Yandle said the unit had been waiting for more than 20 years for the new stations.
Plans for the new station at 5 Emerald-Monbulk Road, Emerald were approved last May.
Mr Cameron said the new station would mean the Emerald unit would be better placed than ever to prepare for and respond to communities.
Ms Lobato said the new station had been specifically designed to blend in with local architecture.
“It will be equipped with sustainability features such as natural lighting, energy-efficient fittings and rainwater tanks to be installed for training,” she said.
Mr Yandle said the new station was the realisation of a dream for many members.
The new digs would include a motor-bay room, multi-purpose area, a turn-out room, a workshop, storerooms, kitchen, toilets, an office, a pergola, a 16,000-litre water tank and a hose town.
Mr Yandle said the support from local community groups such as St Mark’s Church and Ritchie’s IGA, the brigade had been able to put in a few extra additions to the new station.
“We were able to add an outdoor cool out sessions area and also an area for the junior brigade,” he said.
Mr Yandle said St Mark’s opportunity shop regularly donated to the brigade each month and contributions from the Ritchie’s Community Benefit Fund ensured volunteers weren’t out doorknocking for cash.
“It means we can spend more time on our training and the fire prevention work we need to do in the community,” he said.
With cash raised from the two groups, Mr Yandle hopes a new brigade financed salvage unit would be launched at the opening of the station-house.
Mr Yandle said the new station would provide a much-needed safety boost to the brigade.
“We will no longer need to stand up against the wall as the trucks are driving out while we pull our overalls on,” he said.
The new station is expected to be completed by the end of June.
