CFA remains optimistic
Small station: volunteer members Scott Hillis and Amy Atkins are frustrated with the lack of space in the Leongatha Fire Station. Doors of trucks and CFA vehicles cannot even be properly opened when parked side-by-side. This is an inconvenience when members are trying to respond to emergencies in a hurry.
A MULTI-MILLION dollar fire station could still be built in one of Leongatha’s main streets, the Country Fire Authority hopes.
The CFA is seeking to erect a new station in Bair Street, but South Gippsland Shire Council planning staff have recommended the station be built out of the central business district to preserve future space for retail growth.
Council’s rationale was echoed by the Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Council last Thursday granted the CFA a second one month extension to continue talks over the Bair Street site or another possible location. The matter was due to be decided at the council meeting.
David Chugg, CFA’s acting operations manager for Region Nine, remained optimistic.
“We will continue to be positive with the council, and certainly understand and appreciate their position,” he said.
“We are looking forward to working with council and moving forward, hope the council understands the position which the CFA is in and we want a positive outcome for the brigade.”
CFA’s regional director Mark Reid said a new fire station in Bair Street was a ‘discretionary use’ under the current planning scheme and not at all prohibited.
“The argument raised within local media that commerce expansion will be hindered is a recent surprise to CFA as there has been no interest in the site for years before CFA purchased it and the five years subsequent to the purchase,” he said.
“CFA has a development proposal for its site that is ready to go now.”
Leongatha CFA captain Andy Kay doubted the Bair Street location would be used for retail.
“We have just lived through one of the longest booms in history and no one wanted to build on it,” he said.
Mr Kay said the CFA had evaluated other sites around Leongatha and those were deemed unsuitable, including the former service station in Hughes Street.
“It’s awkward to get out of Hughes Street, so there would have to be some work down there at that intersection (with Roughead Street),” he said.
Cr Mimmie Jackson said a further month’s deferral would help council make the “best decision”.
“The station is not the most comfortable place for the CFA to be. Rain comes through the roof and it’s pretty cramped for space,” she said.
Cr David Lewis said the matter should not be deferred as the parties affected needed a decision.
Council planners have suggested council write to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan, seeking support for the establishment of an emergency services precinct in Leongatha.
Frank Considine asked council where council was proposing to build such a precinct.
CEO Tim Tamlin responded: “There isn’t anywhere at the moment. This is about establishing a possible site. This is a suggestion that we have put forward which is typical of other regional municipalities.”
Mr Considine said the CFA had owned the site in Bair Street for many years and now faced starting over.
“I reckon you would have something in mind before you start going down this path,” he said.
Mr Tamlin: “No, we don’t have anything in mind.”
Mr Considine: “It all sounds very airy fairy in my opinion.”
Mr Reid said the current station was old, too small for current brigade activities and no longer fit for its purpose.
“Leongatha Fire Brigade is manned by volunteers, many of whom work in the central business district which enables a faster response to fires and other emergencies – particularly during week days,” he said.
“A central location within Leongatha is critical for the prompt response of Leongatha’s volunteers.”
CFA applied for a planning permit in October 2010 and embarked upon a 15 month compliance process with council.
“Road traffic issues which were raised by the shire have been addressed and CFA has VicRoads’ approval to proceed,” Mr Reid said.
“CFA does not believe the average of six fire vehicle movements a week will hinder traffic flow or significantly impact the 5000 heavy vehicle movements a week that Bair Street currently experiences.”
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