By Alesha Capone
The state government has announced that volunteer firefighters in the Hoppers Crossing CFA will remain based at their current station at 115 Derrimut Road, rather than moving to a new station in Tarneit.
The Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino made the announcement in a statement last week.
“The Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade has a proud history of serving the community for more than 40 years,” Mr Merlino said. “This decision will also help the brigade recruit new volunteers in Melbourne’s fast-growing western suburbs.”
The Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade was established in 1977 and has 72 volunteers. In the 2017-18 financial year the brigade attended 1592 callouts as either the primary or secondary response brigade.
The state government is building a $5.4 million CFA fire station at 417 Derrimut Road, Tarneit, which is expected to open in December.
In June, CFA operations officer Alex Batty said the Tarneit station had been designed for 30 career staff plus volunteers.
But, according to last week’s announcement, the volunteer firefighters will stay in Hoppers Crossing, while the Tarneit station will house career firefighters.
Mr Merlino’s statement said Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade’s volunteer members had expressed “a strong wish to remain at their existing home”.
Two volunteer brigade appliances will remain at the Hoppers Crossing station.
