LAND on which to build a new Foster Fire Station is a step closer to being made available to the local brigade after South Gippsland Shire councillors voted on Wednesday to commence public feedback on the proposal to lease land to the CFA.
That feedback will be gathered through the community engagement process related to council’s Proposed Budget 2024/25 to 2027-28, with that engagement period running until May 5.
The proposed lease would commence at the start of July, running for 21 years and applying to land only, with the 3656m2 block located at 5 Lower Franklin Road, Foster, the CFA’s preferred position for a new Foster Fire Station.
The community rental amount to be paid for the land would be a nominal $104 plus GST per annum.
Council would have no responsibility for any assets constructed as part of the lease arrangement.
Foster’s current fire station on Main Street was built in 1955 and no longer meets brigade and community expectations or supports the required functions of a modern-day fire station.
Its limitations impact hose maintenance, vehicle cleaning, onsite training activities, administrative functions and social activities.
The current station also lacks an onsite water hydrant for filling trucks.
Plans drawn up by CFA’s Land and Building Services show the proposed new fire station intended for 5 Lower Franklin Road is expected to include a motor room, workshop, multipurpose space, kitchen, and an outdoor training area.
The land concerned is situated alongside the Great Southern Rail Trail, being Crown Land for which council is the committee of management.
Locally-based Cr Mohya Davies spoke during Wednesday’s council meeting, noting the Foster CFA has long advocated for a new Fire Station and that council considered seven possible sites for it.
“Council has worked with the CFA to ensure that the process runs smoothly, and it is considered an ideal position because it gives access to roads and the CFA won’t have to drive through town, which will make a huge difference,” she said.
Councillor Nathan Hersey stressed the importance of council playing its part in ensuring its residents have whatever is required to be as safe as possible, noting that in this instance that can be accomplished at no extra cost to ratepayers.
