After 40 years responding from its current Moriac station, construction has started on a new fire station for the Modewarre Fire Brigade.
CFA south west region acting deputy chief officer Brendan Lawson joined South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, CFA acting assistant chief fire officer Wayne Alymer, Modewarre brigade captain Michael Meesen and other members at the official turning of the sod to mark the beginning of construction of the new station.
The $2.08 million fire station is currently under construction on Cape Otway Road, just over one kilometre away from the current outdated station.
Mr Lawson said the new station would be an exciting addition to not only the brigade, but the wider community.
“Modewarre Fire Brigade is a diverse and skilled brigade that attends fires, motor vehicle collisions and other emergency incidents across its response area,” he said.
“This new station will empower the brigade to continue responding to incidents, providing improved safety and facilities for our members.”
The new fit-for-purpose station will provide ample space to house the brigade’s firefighting appliances, which has been an ongoing issue of concern at the current station.
It will also allow drive-through access and include improved safety features such as equipment storage and breathing apparatus cleaning facilities.
The current station was built in the late 1980s and has limited common areas and amenities.
Mr Meesen said the new station would help meet the needs of the growing brigade and community.
“The new, state of the art facility will be a great asset to the community as it has everything the brigade needs,” he said.
“We are grateful to the community for their generous contributions.”
The state government has provided over $2 million for the CFA fire station in Modewarre through the $126 million CFA Capability Funding package, the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program and the Emergency Services Refurbishment Fund program.
The Modewarre Fire Brigade and community have also contributed $24,500 to the new station.
The brigade currently has 41 volunteers, of which 28 are operational firefighters.
Construction of the new station is expected to be completed in early 2022.
