$1 million Replacement of the Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Facility

•Design and construction begins on the upgrade and replacement of the Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) facility in Gelorup. •Facility will provide an upgraded service to the local community and be used as a control and coordination point in the event of a major fire in surrounding areas. •Facility funded in partnership between the State Government and the Shire of Capel.

The Shire of Capel welcomed the news of the recent funding announcement that will see the replacement and upgrade of the Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade facility.

The current facility in Gelorup is 30 years old and no longer able to fulfil contemporary fire facility requirements, with only a minor internal refurbishment in 1998.

The Capel Shire Council endorsed the concept design for an upgraded Gelorup facility in March 2021 and reserved $327,470 for earthworks and civil works in 2021/22 Budget.

Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Local Government Grants have recently confirmed the funding of $681,340 through the Scheme, with the total estimated in the project of $1,090,143.

The project will include: •A fit for purpose, two bay, drive through bush fire station with training facilities and suitable amenities for on-site personnel. •Facility to be provided with: oInternet connection to Comms room; oAir conditioning to office spaces; oUnder floor ducting for floor mounted power outlets to Training room; oPowered roller doors to front and rear drive through bays; oFloor of drive through bays to be sloped to front and rear of building (to allow free draining in the event of spillage) •Car parking for nine vehicles, including universal access bay; •Realigned access road to west of facility for rear access to drive through bays and car parking; and •Allowance for future landscaping to front and rear of building

Shire of Capel President, Doug Kitchen said that importance of a highly capable local bush fire brigade and fit-for-purpose facilities has been highlighted numerous times throughout State.

“We are grateful to receive the funding to better prepare the Gelorup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade with a facility that will continue to protect our community from bush fires. It is a welcomed investment in our region as the facility will provide a central location for Bush Fire Brigade members to conduct regional training activities and meetings. We will also work closely with contractors and local brigades to ensure that our Bridge capacity is maintained throughout the construction period The facility will be a vital and important asset to our Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and the community” he said.

Comment from: Jodie Hanns MLA | Member for Collie-Preston

“Volunteer firefighters from Gelorup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade will greatly benefit from new modern facilities.

“I hope this facility will help attract more volunteers and give existing volunteers greater support, more training and office space, and more suitable appliance areas.

“We are lucky to have such active volunteers at the Gelorup Brigade, with members running community bushfire readiness forums aimed at keeping local residents safe.

“These local heroes are extremely deserving of the support of the McGowan Labor Government which is delivering for our local fire brigades.”

“They are extremely deserving of the support of the McGowan Labor Government which is delivering for our local fire brigades.”

Comment from: Reece Whitby MLA | Minister for Emergency Services

“As we saw recently with the Margaret River bushfire, our volunteers play a crucial role in rapidly responding to disaster when it strikes – and protecting the community.

“The upgrade to the Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade facility will give local volunteers the tools they need to continue their important work, and will help serve the community for many years to come.”

The Shire will engage an architect consultant early in the New Year, with the facility’s proposed completion date in mid-2023.

Gordon MacMile Chief Executive Officer