Binningup decides on new fire site for HQ

Binningup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade is on its way to a new base with Harvey Shire Council approving a new location last Tuesday.

After a grant of $275,000 was received by the council from the Local Government Capital Grants Scheme, a lot on Lakes Parade was identified as the best location for a new shed.

Binningup brigade captain Mal Adams said the new location would be more convenient, with better routes through town and easy-access utilities already at the site.

“We have been pushing for a new shed for a while and that new location is much more convenient and better for the town really,” he said.

“The old location winds around the street quite a way.”

Mr Adams said by moving to a new location there would be none of the interruptions to services there would have been if a new shed was built in the current location.

Mr Adams said the new site’s proximity to the Binningup Bowling and Country clubs was also convenient because they could help provide a base for important services if there was a major bushfire.

“In the event of an emergency, all the community contributes and that would be a good location for it,” he said.

Mr Adams said the new location would also be more prominently seen in the community which could help attract more and younger volunteers.

“It’s going to raise the profile of the brigade,” he said.

The project was not included in the 2017-18 council budget and construction will start at the beginning of the 2018-19 financial year. Site preparations will begin this year.

While designs are still to be drawn up Mr Adams said sheds similar to the proposal – that will include two vehicle bays, a meeting room, a communications room, showers, kitchen and male and female changing facilities – had been built in the last year in the Harvey shire.

“There’s a couple sheds along those lines that ours will be built,” he said.

“We know that it works and will include all we need.”

During the community consultation process, submissions were made from nearby residents which included concerns that will be incorporated into the shed’s design and development.

One submission suggested the new site could also be a possible location for a future men’s shed.

The council said it would be prepared to consider at a later date.