Matt Hewson
St Leonards CFA has moved into its new home, a brand new, built-for-purpose fire station on Murradoc Road.
The St Leonards Fire Brigade has been using the new St Leonards fire station for two weeks, having eagerly awaited the move since the building’s construction started last August.
CFA operations officer Commander Ian Beswicke said its members were thrilled with the new base of operations.
“They are really pleased with the build and the end result,” Commander Beswicke said.
“They just couldn’t wait to get in here as it was such a big improvement facility-wise for them.
Whereas the brigade’s old station was essentially a large shed, the new station boasts a drive-through engine bay big enough for three trucks with automatic gates and electronic doors, dedicated change rooms, monitors with fire call information and sustainable design.
Commander Beswicke said the new station would both allow the brigade to operate quicker and more efficiently in response to fire calls and provide a more pleasant work environment for the volunteer members.
“It means they’ll get into and out of the station much more efficiently, which gets them to the scene earlier,” he said.
“Anything that cuts time off (response time) is a real benefit to the community.
“Also, it makes life easier for them; it wasn’t so nice in the old station. It was very small, not big enough for all their equipment.
“We’re hopeful we can get some new recruits from the community now we’ve got the new facility and it’s a bit more prominent. We’re hoping people will see it and go, gee, I might be interested in that.”
Commander Beswicke invited anyone interested in joining the brigade to visit the station on a Sunday or visit cfa.vic.gov.au to find out more.
