By Tate Papworth
Construction on the largest Metropolitan Fire Brigade station to be built in 30 years has begun in Derrimut.
The station, which is set to significantly bolster fire services across the western suburbs, will replace the current fire station at Boundary Road, North Laverton which was built in 1991.
Construction began in November and the state-of-the-art facility is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020.
When fully operational, the station will house up to 16 firefighters and four firefighting appliances.
It will also include a workshop, gymnasium, storage room, changerooms, large meeting room, a protective equipment room and a concrete concourse to conduct training drills and community engagement activities, such as open days.
The brigade will also support surrounding emergency service agencies for a range of incidents including motor vehicle accidents, grassland, residential and industrial fires and emergency medical response.
Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz said the new station will make the community safer.
“Firefighters at North Laverton do a fantastic job protecting the community and this new station in Derrimut will give them the space and facilities they need to enhance the area’s emergency response capabilities,” she said.
“We’re supporting our emergency services personnel by giving them what they need to save lives and to protect property.”
The $10 million state government funded facility will also be Australasia’s first five-star sustainable fire station on the Green Star rating system.
Ms Kairouz said the new station would be a milestone for sustainable design.
“This station will be the first five-star sustainable fire station in Australasia and will form the basis of future station builds in Victoria,” she said.
