$1.75 million construction of Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Facility set to begin

$1.75 million construction of Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Facility set to begin

Construction is set to begin on the Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) facility. 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 Facility funded in partnership between the State Government and the Shire of

The construction of the new and improved Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Facility is set to begin after a sod turning ceremony was held on site on Friday 14 April 2023. The previous facility in Gelorup is 30 years old and no longer able to fulfil modern fire facility and appliance requirements.

The Capel Shire Council accepted the tender from Devlyn Australia in February for the Gelorup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Building Construction for $1,743,156 (inc. GST). Council approved the contribution of $445,738 towards the project, with $1,297,418 funded through Emergency Services Levy and the Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Local Government Grants Scheme.

The facility 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: Comms room for incident and emergency management. Fit-for-purpose brigade and regional training/meeting Powered roller doors to front and rear drive through

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

“The Shire of Capel is very proud of the professionalism and dedication of our Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and we are excited to see this project set to begin that will better prepare the Gelorup Volunteer Bush Fire   Brigade with a facility that will aid them in protecting our community from bushfires. It is a welcomed investment in our region as the facility will provide a central location for Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade members to conduct local and regional training activities and meetings.”

“The facility will be a vital and important asset to our Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and the  local community. We are particularly thrilled to see a future cadet program, which will attract, train and retain new members to ensure the continuing of services provided to the community.”  Cr Kitchen 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, which will include more training and office space.

“We are lucky to have such active brigade volunteers in Gelorup, with these members also running bushfire readiness forums aimed at educating locals and keeping the community safe.

“These local heroes are extremely deserving of this support and I’m proud to be part of the McGowan Labor Government which is delivering for our local fire brigades.”

Construction of the new headquarters is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Gordon MacMile

Chief Executive Officer

 

The Objectives outlined in this media release are aligned to Direction 1 in the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan 2021 to 2031: 1.4 A safe and prepared community.

 

[ENDS]

 PHOTO [L-R] Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Volunteers with DFES Chief Superintendent Country South, Paul Carr, Member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns MLA, Shire President Doug Kitchen.