By Casey Neill
A Liberal National Government would fund a new fire station in Healesville.
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish said the location or cost was to be determined.
She and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy called on the Labor State Government to build the station back in 2016.
“No member of the Andrews government has even visited the current fire station,” she said.
“We know it is no longer fit for purpose and we should already be progressing with a new station.”
Healesville Fire Brigade Captain Graeme Bates said the crew’s Crowley Road headquarters was too small.
“As far as I know it’s been there more than 125 years, but it’s time for a new location,” he said.
“It’s just outdated. The trucks have got a lot bigger.
“We have nowhere for our gear.
“We are on the build list with the CFA but they have no idea when.
“It’s not a high priority.”
The site needs to be at least 3000 square metres to meet new regulations.
“We have a lot of strike teams comes to our station,” Mr Bates said.
“We could have 60 people there on a bad day, waiting to respond.
“We’ve been trying to push the Shire of Yarra Ranges to help us out.
“We would love somewhere on Don Road.
“Most of my members are from the north side of town.”
Mr Bates said accessing the current station was dangerous for his volunteers.
“With the tourist traffic and everything on weekends we have a lot of trouble getting into the fire station because it’s right in the middle of town,” he said.
“We’ve got to be out the door within four minutes, and on-scene within another four minutes.
“Everyone uses Crowley Road now as a short-cut so you get cars and trucks flying down the hills, while we’re trying to back in fire trucks.
“We’re not meant to back a truck without a guide, but I won’t let any of my members get out on Crowley Road because it’s just too dangerous.
“School time it’s chockers, because it’s right where the school crossing is.”
