By Jed Lanyon
Coldstream CFA is set to move forward with plans to build a new fire brigade in a move that is 11 years in the making.
After several ‘false starts’, Coldstream captain Sean Bethell said talks have progressed between the brigade and the CFA where he hopes works can begin by July.
He said the CFA purchased a block of land on 7 Killara Road, Coldstream 11 years ago
“We originally had the station built by brigade members and the public back in 1962. It was a good design back in the day because we used tankers that are much smaller than what we have today.
“Over the years, we’ve had to accommodate more and more volunteers and that comes with more equipment.”
While the station received several modifications across to accommodate larger trucks and newer equipment, Mr Bethell said it’s time for a new station to be constructed.
“With a brand new station, there’s going to be a lot of safety improvements,” he said.
The new brigade will feature three drive-through bays meaning CFA members will not be forced to reverse their large vehicles into the tight spaces of the current driveway and station shed.
Mr Bethell said they will also have their protective equipment housed in a purpose built change room away from the carcinogenic diesel fumes emitted by their vehicles in the station.
Mr Bethell said the community will benefit as they will be able to respond to incidents quicker as they had instances where their car park had been blocked due to visitors at neighbouring businesses and a nearby bus stop.
“People are starting to see the final designs that are coming up and they’re pretty happy to see it finally going through.”
Mr Bethell said a large meeting room will allow Coldstream CFA to host nearby theory training sessions for new recruits across the Yarra Valley and beyond.
“It will be utilised not only by our brigade but by the group of brigades that are around us.”
Mr Bethell said that they would be relying on community fundraising and donations to cover additional costs of the station that would be placed on the brigade.
“We’re looking to raise $100,000 just in the way of building costs for the new station,” he said.
They are also hoping to put funds towards purchasing a new pumper in the coming years.
To assist in the brigade’s fundraising drive, make contact via their Facebook page.
CFA Victoria did not respond in time for print deadline.
