By Nick Sinis

PHILLIP Island CFA members continue to wait in anticipation of their new $2.3m station which has been heavily delayed during construction. 

The new station, which is located along Ventnor Road in Cowes, has been delayed by more than a year due to the impacts of COVID and other challenges. 

However, it is now expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

“Construction has been delayed by inclement weather and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with the brigade to move in shortly after,” a CFA spokesperson said.

“Once construction is complete, planning for an official opening will commence.”

The new station will feature  four motor room bays for firefighting appliances, a breathing apparatus maintenance room, meeting rooms, kitchen and offices.

Phillip Island CFA captain Gary Grace said the brigade couldn’t wait to move in, as they have expanded to almost 50 members.  

“To move into a modern facility that meets our needs will be fantastic,” he said.

Mr Grace highlighted that the current station along Settlement Road in Cowes could no longer cater to the demands of the brigade.  

“(Issues include) the location, it’s near a school zone and there’s no parking facilities… we use shire land to park our cars,” he said.

“It’s just outdated and outgrown, it was built in the mid-80s.”

Mr Grace said another great feature of the next station will be the new four bay area, which will also be a drive-through.

He added that while the brigade is busy preparing for the move, this year had been quieter than usual fortunately. 

“We’ve had 90 turnouts in the past eight months, which is down on our usual numbers,” he said

“Meanwhile we’re also preparing for the summer season, we ran a structural (search and rescue) exercise for training recently.”

The state government had announced funding for the station in late 2018. 

Land for the new station was acquired at Ventnor Road, as the existing site was also too small to redevelop.