THE 30-year-old Gelorup Fire Station will next year undergo major upgrades that will see the station properly utilised as a fit-for-purpose, modern facility.
The Shire of Capel council and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services put more than $1 million towards the upgrade.
The station is used all over the region but namely by the Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade, who last completed minor refurbishments to the station in 1998.
At the funding announcement on Monday, station captain Glenys Malatesta said when she first began volunteering at the station 25 years ago, it was "just one, little bay".
"Back when we started we phoned some builders and donated some money and added a few more elements, but the facility just wasn't adequate anymore," Ms Malatesta said.
"We're a large unit with around 30 volunteers, so the upgrades are very much welcomed.
"I can't wait for the Gelorup Fire Station to be transformed into a training centre of excellence, making it the first in the shire to have a dedicated training room for our firies."
Upgrades to the station will include a fit for purpose, two bay drive through station with training facilities and suitable amenities for on-site personnel.
I can't wait for the Gelorup Fire Station to be transformed into a training centre of excellence, making it the first in the shire to have a dedicated training room for our firies"
- Gelorup Fire Station captain Glenys Malatesta
Air conditioning, powered roller doors, car parking for nine vehicles and an allowance for future landscaping at the front and back of the building are also in the plans.
Next steps for the Gelorup Fire Station upgrades will include the shire engaging an architect consultant in early 2022.
The proposed completion date is estimated for mid-2023.
The funding was presented on Monday by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns and Shire of Capel president Doug Kitchen.
Councilor Kitchen said the importance of a highly capable fire brigade and facilities had often been highlighted.
Pip Waller
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
