HOPETOUN’S fire station will relocate.
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The Country Fire Authority submitted an application to Yarriambiack Shire Council to use and develop the land at 148 Lascelles Street into an emergency service facility.
The council approved the station’s move from its current location at 13 Austin Street.
The decision came during a meeting on Wednesday last week.
Planning officer David Young said in a report to council that the proposed location was appropriate for the new fire station.
He said the applicants had access to the main highway, which ensured volunteers could respond to fires in all directions.
“It is located on a large allotment that allows for movement of all vehicles, sufficient car parking for its use and designed to match surrounding buildings,” he said.
Attention was brought to the risk of noise disturbance from sirens and vehicles entering and exiting the site as well as training.
Mr Young indicated the noise generated from the facility was no greater than what was expected in a country urban area.
”Being close to the industrial area of Hopetoun, noise is already being generated through the movement of commercial and domestic vehicles and traffic on the highway,” he said.
Mayor Graeme Massey said a new station was “desperately” needed.
He said it would be of “tremendous benefit” for the Hopetoun community.
“At the moment, the CFA station has residents either side of the building. The new location will be more appropriate,” he said.
“It will be more accessible if emergencies occur and the community is happy with that.”
Cr Massey said councillors supported the proposed location.
“The council is in favour for any project that will help the community and bring government money into town,” he said.
Cr Massey said the council’s approval would allow the CFA to progress with its plans, providing it met standard conditions.