Ballarat Fire Station Operations officer Bernie Fradd, left and Captain John Harris excited about the promise of a $700,000 redevelopment at the station. PICTURE: ADAM TRAFFORD
BALLARAT Fire Station is set for a grand redevelopment.
The state government yesterday committed to a $700,000 election promise for a major redevelopment of the historic fire station.
The renovation project will see an old house next to the station knocked down to make way for a large motor room, able to house four fire trucks.
It will also include a complete makeover of the external facade of the building, while at the same time keeping in line with heritage requirements.
Welcoming the funding announcement, CFA regional director Don Kelly said it was currently “extremely tight” trying to fit the pumper, tanker, rescue vehicle and road rescue support vehicle.
“We’ve just been holding out until the government approved it and it’s good that it came through,” he said.
Making the announcement, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said the redevelopment was part of a $22 million commitment to build or upgrade 45 CFA rural fire stations.
The Ballarat Fire Brigade responds to around 600 incidents each year.