WEST Gidgegannup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade will soon have a home with the announcement of a record $1.13 million investment for a stand-alone volunteer bushfire brigade facility.
Captain Beau Algeri said the voluntary brigade was one of only a few in WA without a permanent base.
“The members of the West Gidgegannup Bush Fire Brigade have worked long and hard towards a fire station of our own,” he said.
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READ NOW“We have relied on the goodwill of members who have stored fire trucks, equipment and other resources on their own properties for many years and we have used the East Gidgegannup Voluntary Bushfire Brigade’s station for our training nights and committee meetings.
“Having our own shed will allow us to properly store vehicles in safe premises out of the weather, do routine maintenance more easily, store equipment, undertake training, manage incidents, and have regular social events that create the cultural fabric of the brigade which is very strong.
The funding is the largest ever investment in a stand-alone volunteer bushfire brigade facility in Western Australia’s history.
The new purpose-built facility will house four appliances and include incident control and radio rooms.
It will be spread across 400 square metres and was a result of a collaboration between the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the City of Swan and the West Gidgegannup Bush Fire Brigade.
Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan said the new facility would increase the brigade’s response times.
“I want to acknowledge the tireless advocacy of the volunteers who worked hard to get this new facility,” he said.
“They currently store their appliances on private property, so I’m very pleased that not only will they be getting a proper base, but it will be purpose-built to meet their current and future needs.”
It is expected the new base will be complete by August 2019.