A new station is on the cards for Hoppers Crossing fire brigade.
The Country Fire Authority has lodged plans with Wyndham council for a $3.7 million purpose-built fire station on a 5000-square-metre block located on the corner of Derrimut Road and Rippleside Terrace in Tarneit, just under four kilometres away from the current Derrimut Road premises.
A CFA spokesperson said it expected the new station to be operational within the next two years, pending building approval. A decision on the planning application is expected in coming weeks.
“CFA is confident this new station will further enhance the Hoppers Crossing firefighters’ ability to protect their community, and hopefully encourage new members to join,” the spokesperson said.
“This new station will feature, among other things, four bays for emergency appliances and accommodation for staff and volunteers.
“This land was chosen as it provided a central and easily accessible base.”
The Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year, started out in a small green shed across the road from its current headquarters, which were built in 1988.
The Hoppers Crossing brigade has more than 50 members and averages about 1500 call-outs a year, making it one of the busiest CFA stations in the state.
The planning application comes at the same time the state government pledged $7.5 million for new stations for the Truganina and Wyndham Vale CFA brigades.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the funding would be split between the two brigades, with $1.5 million to be put towards the acquisition of land and $2.25 million for the development of the new stations.
Construction of the new, permanent stations is expected to be completed by June, 2019.
