The City of Ballarat’s Creative City team is seeking suitably qualified contractors to conserve a number of key public art pieces in Ballarat.  

The City of Ballarat hosts one of the most significant regional public art collections in Australia. Valued at more than $20 million, the oldest piece in this collection was erected in 1867, about 156 years ago.  

There are more than 120 pieces of public art placed throughout Ballarat.  

The City of Ballarat treats the Public Art Collection as an outdoor gallery with a collection on permanent display.

After a careful assessment and valuation of the collection, a proactive maintenance plan has been devised and is currently being implemented, the City says.

Requests for quote are currently open for suitable contractors to undertake conservation works on the following pieces:  

The Peterson Fountain  

The fountain is in the Sturt Street gardens in the hospital precinct and was erected in 1922. The fountain is made from bronze, marble and granite and includes frogs and a crane.  

Queen Victoria Memorial Statue  

The well-known Queen Victoria Statue, in the Sturt Street Gardens outside Town Hall has been in place since 1902. The statue is made from marble, sandstone, bronze and granite and is 4 metres tall.  

The Burke and Wills Memorial Fountain  

The iconic fountain near the Lydiard Street and Sturt Street intersection has been in place since 1867. It consists of four gas lights with copper decorative elements.  

George Tonner Memorial

Located at Lake Wendouree, between the Steve Moneghetti track and Wendouree Parade is the wooden memorial, which has been in place since 1925. It is made from stone pillars and a high wooden structure.  

Home  

The public art in a wetland at Doug Dean Reserve resembles bird homes partially submerged in water. Artist Chris Mether installed his art piece in 2014, and the birdhouses are set on wooden posts in the wetlands.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said public art is about more than just the works themselves.  

“From the central Sturt Street Gardens to pieces in Bridge Mall, the Botanic Gardens and around Lake Wendouree. We have a city-wide collection of art that we treat just like an open-air gallery, through curation, maintenance, repair and cleaning,” he said.  

“Public art in Ballarat is very important. It is free to enjoy, it can connect a community, create a community and create an identity for a space.”

Thousands of families have managed to slash an annual $279 million  off their energy bills with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops, and help from the state’s Solar Homes program.    

As of this month, Solar Homes has delivered 2 gigawatts of power across Victoria – close  to double the amount generated by Yallourn and nearly as much as Loy Yang A.    

The program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state,  with its solar panels having cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatt hours of power – enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years.    

The program has seen 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed  through rebates and interest-free loans.    

The electorate of Macedon represents over 4480 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed  since the program began in 2018.    

The last 12 months have been Solar Homes’ biggest, with 7,873 approved applications last month – including 4,435 rooftop solar approvals and 3,125 solar hot water approvals.    

Eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest free loan and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system – cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.    

Customers who maximise their solar can save around $1,000 each year on their energy bill. Combined with hot water, heat pump savings can be up to $1,400 a year or at least $1,600 with a battery.    

Victorians are taking control of their energy bills with solar now installed on 30 per cent of Victorian homes – a significant increased from 14 per cent when the Solar Homes program started six years ago.

Since then, the program has also supported 5,500 jobs and delivered  free training for plumbers and electricians to upskill, says Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Macedon is leading the charge to take up solar energy, cutting emissions while saving    households thousands”    

Consultation has opened for the state government’s new creative industries strategy with residents in the Macedon electorate encouraged to share their ideas to help shape the future of the state’s creative sector.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging the local community to  contribute to the consultation process which is now open to all Victorians – whether you are a professional artist, a bookworm, a filmmaker, a music fan or would like to see more  creativity in your area.

Macedon residents can complete an online survey about what creativity means to them and  how Government should prioritise investments and initiatives for the next three years,   setting the stage for longer-term success.   

A discussion paper summarising current issues and opportunities for the sector – from the   rapid expansion of AI to cost of living pressures – is also available and community members are invited to make a written submission to share ideas, solutions and feedback to feed into the strategy.

Spanning music, visual art, film, theatre, dance, literature, design, digital games, comedy,  fashion, circus and much more, the creative industries are a big part of life in Victoria.

More   than 97% of Victorians engage with creative activities whether that’s listening to music, reading books or attending performances, exhibitions or festivals.   

The creative industries contribute $40.3 billion to the Victorian economy, the equivalent to   7.5% of the total state economy. Almost one in 12 Victorian workers are estimated to be employed in the creative sector, which is 318,244 people and translates to 8.6% of the total Victorian workforce.   

The Creative State Strategy consultation process is open to all community members, based  in all parts of the state, until 26 August. To find out more or submit ideas, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/creative-state-consultation.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:   “Our creative community impacts our everyday lives in so many ways by entertaining us,   enhancing education, promoting social cohesion, improving liveability and wellbeing and   boosting our economy and global reputation.”

“I encourage Macedon locals to share their ideas through this consultation process, ensuring the views of our community are reflected in the strategy and that we can all experience the   benefits of Victoria’s creative and cultural life.”   

The state government is backing a new initiative that will see local councils, universities, sporting clubs and community organisations join forces to help stop young people vaping.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas late last week announced a $2 million investment to deliver workshops, community events, and develop a peer-to-peer digital platform for young people aged 14 to 25 – to educate young people about the harms of vaping.

The two-year project will be delivered by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) in partnership with UNCLOUD, a digital platform which provides peer-reviewed and scientifically backed information about vaping and allows young people to share their stories with each other. 

More than 30 local councils, including Macedon Ranges, Hepburn, Moorabool and Mount Alexander Shires, five sporting teams, and five universities will join the project by sharing the UNCLOUD platform at community events and activations. 

Sporting bodies and teams including Swimming Victoria, Athletics Victoria, Melbourne Vipers, Deakin Melbourne Boomers and Hockey Club Melbourne, will share and promote the UNCLOUD platform at sporting carnivals, youth holiday programs, events, and across social media platforms. 

As part of the project, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will upskill coaches at sporting clubs across Victoria with anti-vaping education. 

Tertiary institutions including the University of Melbourne, Federation University, Monash University, Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology, will use the funding to establish student advocates, while others will others will offer education and training on- site to health staff. 

VicHealth, Quit Victoria and the Department of Health will provide guidance and support to these organisations. The Victorian Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states and territories on the implementation of the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024.

Banning retail sales and making vapes available only through pharmacies is expected to ultimately keep vapes out of children’s hands. 

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas: “We know the impacts vaping has on our health and this initiative will allow young people to learn about the risks – empowering them to make health-led decisions.” 

“We’re working with sporting clubs, universities, and all of our local councils across Macedon to share anti-vaping messaging to the community.” 

Executive Manager, Health Promotion Systems at VicHealth Michelle Murray: “This initiative is about giving young people the tools to warn each other about vaping through real, authentic stories – because we know the best way to reach young people is through other young people.” 

The Hepburn Shire Council has achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the last financial year.

The council’s emissions were down 18%, which equals 161 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the council has reported earlier this week.

All of the council’s power is now renewable, while it is also prioritising electrification of its facilities and fleet.

Compared to the baseline year of 2021, the council has managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42%.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it will soon begin its annual street tree planting and elm leaf beetle treatment programs, to improve and protect the natural environment.

Under the street tree planting program, a different town in the shire is typically prioritised each year, depending on available budget. Carefully selected tree species are planted at strategically chosen locations along streets to enhance a town’s landscapes.

Acting Director Assets and Operations, Simon Finlay, said Kyneton would be prioritised for street tree planting this year, with planting set to occur between August and September – the cooler months giving the trees the best opportunity of establishing through the following summer.

“Tree species are carefully selected based on a range of factors to suit the location and are purchased from local nurseries,” he said.

“An extensive maintenance program is also put in place for the first two years to ensure they mature into healthy and structurally sound trees.”

The tree planting program draws from independent arboriculture inspections and ensures that the community continues to receive the benefits offered by trees such as shade for pedestrians, improved noise and pollution absorption, improved mental health and enhanced streetscape appeal.

From new trees, to existing trees; the Macedon Ranges is home to a significant and healthy population of about 2,400 elm trees. This year, elm trees in Romsey and Lancefield will be the focus of the council’s elm leaf beetle treatment program which will commence in the coming weeks.

The treatment will ensure that the elm trees in these areas are protected from damage and defoliation caused by the elm leaf beetle and remain healthy and vibrant.

The elm leaf beetle feeds on the leaves of elm trees, leaving distinctive round holes which, if left untreated, can severely weaken the trees, leading to reduced visual appeal, safety concerns and a shortened lifespan.

“Eradicating the elm leaf beetle is extremely difficult. Instead, we aim to keep the number of elm leaf beetles as low as possible and reduce the damage they cause by having a preventative maintenance program in place,” Mr Finlay said.

Treatment includes spraying and injecting the soil around the tree’s root zone with low-toxicity insecticide. This safe and effective method protects the trees for up to three years.

The township of Trentham hosted a celebration late last week for recipients of grants aimed at improving biodiversity and environmental health throughout the Hepburn Shire.

Representatives from the Hepburn Shire Council and many community groups (pictured above) were present at the event, with a total of $80,111 distributed to groups across the shire. 

The council had received six applications for its Sustainable Hepburn Grants Program in 2024.

The applications represented a significant effort by organisations within the shire to help reduce emissions and become more energy efficient.

The assessment panel recommended all six applications for funding through the program with the total amount funded through this program $39,743.

Seven applications were received for the Biodiversity Grants Program in 2024. The applications represented a diverse range of activities focused on supporting and enhancing biodiversity in the shire.

For the first time, this year’s program featured a new 24-month category to allow for larger and longer term management of reserves and natural resources.

The assessment panel recommended the five highest scoring applications for funding through the program.  The total amount funded through this program for both 12 and 24- month applications is $27,368.

Thirteen applications were received for project funding through the Environment Group Grants Program 2024.

Applicants were invited to apply for the program and for the first time this year’s program extended beyond Landcare groups, to also include other organisations working in the environmental space.

All 13 applications were recommended by the assessment panel for funding and a total of $13,000 will be funded to environmental organisations this year.

Grant recipients are: 

Biodiversity Grants Program in 2024 

Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife awarded $4,780 for their 12-month project Better Gardens and Landscapes. 

Wattle Flat- Pootila Landcare Group awarded $7,490 for the 24-month project to Linking Creswick to Wombat. 

Shepherds Flat Landcare Group – awarded $4,634 for their 12-month project Noxious Weed Management at the Larni Barramul Yaluk, Mullers Lane Reserve, Shepherds Flat 

Friends of Kangaroo Creek Wheatsheaf, auspiced by Wombat Forestcare – awarded $8,000 for their 24-month project: Reinforcing collaborative blackberry control along Kangaroo Creek, Wheatsheaf. 

Friends of Cornish Hill awarded $2,464 for their 12-month project Redesign and replacement of large information board at Smith Creek Reserve, south-western end. 

Sustainable Hepburn Grants Program in 2024 

Trentham Sustainability Group – awarded $11,250 for their project Energy Resilient Trentham 

Daylesford Community Child Care Centre – awarded $7,500 for their project Powering our children’s future. 

Creswick Neighbourhood Centre – awarded $7,500 for their project A Cleaner, Greener, Comfortable for all CNC. 

Trentham Golf Club – awarded $9,000 for their project Trentham Golf Club Solar PV extension. 

Bullarto Hall Committee of Management – Awarded $2,993, for their project Solar to Bullarto Hall 

Friends of Cornish Hill – Awarded $2,000 for their project Renewable Energy efficient small equipment purchase.

Environment Group Grants Program 2024 ($1,000 each) 

The following groups were successful: 

Shepherds Flat Landcare Group

Friends of Cornish Hill 

Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group 

Trentham Public Purpose Reserves Committee of Management

 Wombat Forestcare

 Rocky Lead Landcare Group 

LVI-MT Bolton/Beckworth Landcare Group

Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare Group 

Trentham District Landcare Group 

Cornish Hill Committee of Management 

Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group

Bald Hills-Creswick Landcare Group Inc 

Great Dividing Trail Association.  

A man is facing charges following the execution of a search warrant on an illicit tobacco store in Maryborough last Wednesday, August 14.

Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives attended the store, inside a shopping complex, on Burke Street.

Investigators seized under warrant more than 21,000 illicit cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco with a street value of about $25,000 and over 400 illegal vapes with a street value of approximately $20,000.

Total lost revenue for the government for the illegal import of these goods, is estimated to be $78,531 in tax avoidance.

A 24-year-old Maryborough man was arrested at the scene and interviewed by detectives.

He is expected to be charged on summons to attend Maryborough Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it’s taking the next step in developing a Master Plan to guide the future of Woodend Racecourse Reserve, with more detailed proposals developed for community consultation.

Informed by initial consultation undertaken with key user groups and the community in early-mid 2023, an issues and opportunities paper has been developed for the Reserve including two potential concepts that either keep limited equestrian facilities on the site, or relocate them elsewhere.

The Reserve offers residents and visitors a variety of formal and informal recreational activities and is centrally located within the Woodend township.

In addition to being the home of Buffalo Stadium, it currently plays host to a number of user groups and activities including basketball, netball, pétanque, cricket, football and pony/riders clubs.

Acting Director Assets and Operations Simon Finlay said it was important to closely align progress on the future of Woodend Racecourse Reserve with the complementary Draft Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan, also currently out for community consultation.

“Woodend Racecourse Reserve is a really important recreational area for so many people – from regular users of Buffalo Stadium, to those who might go for an occasional walk or run through the area using existing paths,” he said.

“Whether you’re a local, a regular user or even if you’ve already provided feedback on our shire-wide plan for equestrian facilities, we’d really appreciate your considered feedback on these proposals specific to what is a key recreational site in Woodend.”

Examples of potential opportunities identified for the area include new courts at Buffalo Stadium and outdoors; a second oval/new rectangular pitches; and looking at removing some of the site’s existing older buildings to open up space and improve security.

Examples of issues identified for the area include the site’s heritage overlay; the limited car parking available for larger scheduled events; and the site’s tendency to become waterlogged particularly during winter and spring.

Feedback received during the council’s consultation period will be considered by officers, to help develop a draft Master Plan for the Reserve which will go out for further consultation once finalised.

Feedback on the draft paper is invited until Thursday 5 September 2024 via the council’s Your Say online engagement hub.

Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the shire’s four libraries as free ‘warm spaces’ and enjoy an abundance of literature and free activities during the colder months. 

In partnership with Goldfields Libraries and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, the local council is backing an initiative to utilise libraries at Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey during business hours, to help people reduce energy costs and stay connected throughout winter and beyond.  

In addition to offering literature in different formats including books, eBooks and audiobooks, all four libraries also have free Wi-Fi, daily newspapers and free activities for all ages. 

Goldfields Library Corporation’s Manager Engagement and Operations, Jess Saunders, said in the current climate where many people are experiencing cost of living pressures, libraries were a great option for people to keep warm, participate in free activities and stay socially connected. 

“Libraries are safe and inclusive spaces, and everyone is welcome to use them. You can stay all day in a comfortable warm environment, surrounded by friendly people, without needing to spend any money or worry about running up energy bills,” she said. 

Following National Homelessness Week, 5-11 August, the council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, is encouraging those experiencing homelessness to reach out for support and use libraries as a safe, warm space to help stay connected. 

“We know providing public warm spaces doesn’t solve the issue of homelessness, but it does go some way towards providing a safe space, where people can feel connected to the community,” Ms Weiss said.

“That connection can also provide an opportunity to find out what other services may be available to them.” 

Support services are provided locally by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, with the organisation’s Team Leader Housing Support and Financial Services, Kate Weston, saying they can assist anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Macedon Ranges.  

“We can also refer people to other services that the organisation offers such as counselling and family services,” Ms Weston said.

“The warm spaces initiative offers local community members a valuable source of support where they can access lots of useful information.”  

Exploring and facilitating warm, safe spaces for residents during times of extreme weather is a key action in Council’s Climate Emergency Plan 2023-30, to assist with strengthening communities’ collective resilience to climate change events.    

The council has also committed to advocating for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through its Affordable Housing Policy, which was adopted in June 2023, and its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025. 

“Through these commitments, we are working closely with key stakeholders to support more affordable housing options and help address the issue of homelessness in our community, and to raise awareness of support services available,” said Ms Weiss. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, you can contact Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) on 03 5421 1666 or the Launch Housing Emergency Accommodation Crisis Line (after hours) on 1800 825 955.  

When the Erica & District Fire Brigade’s pager buzzed on a Wednesday night earlier this month, they had no idea they were about to embark on a paws-itively unexpected rescue.

Just before 6pm on 7 August, crews were alerted to a dog stuck under a cottage in Erica. When they arrived at the scene they found Molly, a 13-year-old King Charles Spaniel, in a tight spot. 

Molly had crawled under the floorboards and couldn’t quite figure her way back out. Crews quickly discovered access to the trapped pooch would be challenging because the house was an old miner’s cottage.  

First Lieutenant of Erica and District brigade Bryce Eishold said the situation required creative thinking.

“In CFA, we look outside the box to find answers to unusual jobs that arise; we summarised the situation and decided it was best to call in a local builder with tools,” Bryce said. 

That builder was Russ Dunn, who quickly got to work carving out Molly’s escape route.  

“Russ is a great supporter of the brigade and we knew he’d be able to bring his circular saw. 

 “We knew roughly where the dog was, and when he got there, we ripped up the carpet and carefully cut a hole in the floorboards,” Bryce said.

From the time of the call to CFA, Molly was freed into the arms of her very relieved owner, Sandra, in less than an hour.  

“CFA was brilliant, they responded so fast and put a plan together. They were so caring and I cannot praise them enough,” Sandra said.  

By all reports, Molly is recovering well after her floorboard fright.

Words & Images: Supplied, CFA

A big summer of bowls awaits at City Oval Bowling Club after the completion of a new synthetic green.

The new green was officially opened last Monday, with City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson joining club members to send down some of the first bowls on the new surface.

The synthetic surface replaces the former grassed green and was completed at the club’s request.

There are now two grassed greens and one synthetic green, providing different options for use, but also making life easier for the volunteer-led club.

Natural surface bowls greens require ongoing and constant maintenance, water and specialist expertise to maintain and at considerable cost, placing financial and resource pressure on the clubs.

Cr Hudson said he was proud to unveil the new $638,000 upgrade, which was fully funded by the City of Ballarat.

“This new green allows for greater usage in all weather conditions and will result in greater participation numbers at the club,” he said.

“We know how incredibly hard volunteers work at community sporting clubs and that maintaining grass greens can be an extra burden, so to take some of that strain off the club is fantastic.”

City Oval Bowling Club Chairman Leigh McKenzie said that securing a new synthetic green provided the club members and other bowlers the ability to practice and play outdoors all year.

The green will retain the name of the club’s past long-serving life member Trevor Bennett.

“The new green is a reflection of our club’s determination to be patient, and our willingness to build a relationship that secures a long-term future for the club and our members,” Mr McKenzie said.

“The club is 100 years young and having two different playing surfaces will encourage and hopefully attract new bowlers to the club. City Oval Bowling Club is striving to be a ‘destination bowling club’ with a focus to be successful both on and off the greens.”

The City of Ballarat is currently in the final stages of preparing its Recreation Infrastructure Plan for Council consideration, which outlines a 15-year plan to ensure the municipality’s recreation infrastructure keeps up with forecasted population growth.

The plan, which is currently in draft and will be presented at the August Council Meeting, includes a range of other bowls upgrades planned for future years, with a new synthetic green at Buninyong Bowls Club the next item on the agenda.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council – in partnership with local business ‘Lily’s Travels’ – is facilitating information sessions to support older people in confidently navigating transport to medical appointments, using public transport.

Each session will include a presentation, opportunities for questions and answers, and take-home information kits including timetables/itineraries.

The council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said the initiative supported key findings highlighted in Council’s PARTICIPATE Positive Ageing Plan 2020-2025, which identified that inadequate access to transport was the biggest challenge faced by older people.

“Initiatives like this are important for Council to support, and inform older people in our community on available options and empower them to maintain their independence through public transport,” she said.

“I encourage anyone who might regularly need to travel to attend medical appointments, or need to regularly travel more broadly, to register and attend these valuable sessions.”

The series of five sessions will be run at various locations throughout the shire area with the first set for August 22 and the last session in the series set for September 20.

More information is available through the council’s website.

What’s all the fuss about pruning deciduous fruit trees each year? Well, the simple answer is almost all deciduous fruiting trees produce their flowers in early spring, which coincides with the awakening of various flying, nectar seeking, insects.

Most important of all the visitors are the hordes of hairy-legged aptly named honey bees who, while gathering their winter’s stock of nectar and pollen, are innocently catering for immensely larger appetites.

So, it’s up to us to see that our fruiting trees are given all the help they need to flower and bear plenty of healthy crops.

Best pruning methods for the most popular trees Apple/Pear – Ideally suited to a central leader shape they take several years to think about fruiting and bear most fruit on short fruiting spurs.

If left alone right from the nursery stage they will develop a straight stem with a first crown of 4-6 branches approximately 1 metre above the ground, and still retain the sturdy centre leader.

In another three or so years the tree will be nearing full size and should be showing signs of cropping. By then, pruning should be restricted to just shaping and light pruning.

Quince – Are prone to be shrub-like with no central trunk but multiple sturdy main branches supporting a framework of flowers/fruit.

Because the fruit is individually heavy and borne on the tips of branches, normal cup-shaped tree branches would soon bow to the weight and later break down.

After the heavy-duty, frame-building pruning is done, all that is needed is mainly thinning out of excess wood and eliminating any stray watershoots.

Because the fruit grows on the tips of last year’s wood, this should not be cut off, which makes regular pruning largely unnecessary.

Peach/Nectarine – They are closely related, with no basic differences in development and structure and near impossible to tell apart when they’re leafless.

Since they bear fruit only on young wood developed on the previous year, we have to force this each year by hard pruning.

If not they will soon become bare on the lower branches, and the crops start to appear only on the higher branches.

Then you will find the centre of the tree opening up, letting the hot summer sun in to scorch and ruin the main limbs.

Cut short alternate twigs on the branches to force new fruiting for next year but leave some to fruit now.

Apricot – Avoid pruning to the open centre, it will require drastic pruning to stop growing too far out and splitting with the weight of the crop – and the drastic pruning needed to rectify the problem can encourage the dreaded scourge, the deadly gummosis.

So if you are about to purchase a new apricot, choose one with a straight, healthy growth and stake it to take over the principal role.

The growth of the apricot is erratic and we can’t force it too long to shape it. The obvious answer is to choose a healthy tree with developed trunk and a central leader of four or five arms.

This is a liberal shape which should work out with a little guidance this should consist of taking off about half the length of the leaders to force out spurs which will carry most of the crop.

These will last for three to five years, but new ones will appear from time to time if the tree isn’t very dense.

Next issue I’ll conclude this saga with plums, cherries, almonds etc. Please let me know through The Local, if you want a specific tree or vine added to the list.

Construction has begun on the new Beaufort Fire Brigade Station and in recent days CFA members, with local MP Martha Haylett, visited the site to get a sneak peek.

The new station on Racecourse Road will replace the Flynn Street station and will be able to support up to 48 CFA volunteers and three appliances.

Beaufort Fire Brigade currently has 29 volunteers, including 16 operational and 13 non-operational members.

Beaufort Fire Brigade Captain Anthony Neville said the new station will be a huge asset to the brigade and the local community.

“The new station will have new technology and better facilities. It will be an integrated station to suit our members’ needs with all our vehicles and equipment in one place,” Anthony said.

“We hope it will allow community groups to use the meeting rooms and facilities.

“The old station has historic value, being over 150 years old, but the new station will be a much more accessible focal point for the community along the highway.”

The new facility will include essential amenities such as a motor room with three drive-through bays, offices, workshops, operational areas, meeting rooms, change rooms for both male and female volunteers, as well as unisex ambulant facilities.

Externally the station will provide a car park, and a six-bay storage shed.

District 16 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Alcock said the new station would support the brigade for years to come.

“It’s being built with future sustainability in mind with locally sourced steel. The plans include solar panels, a rainwater recycling system, and the ability to install an electric vehicle charging station,” Steve said.

“There will be water-sensitive urban designs in the landscaping that will be able to tolerate the hot Victorian summers.

“The new station will really give Beaufort brigade the opportunity to grow and develop in the future.”

Beaufort Fire Brigade has served the community for over 150 years. Volunteers respond to more than 100 call outs every year, attending bushfires, structural fires, motor vehicle accidents and heavy vehicle incidents, as well as supporting emergency response efforts of surrounding brigades.

Construction of the station is estimated to be completed in February 2025.

Words & Image: supplied, CFA