Land on Moore St, Rochester has been acquired by the Victorian Government for the construction of an emergency services hub for the CFA and VICSES.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Victorian Government has acquired land on Moore St, Rochester, for a new emergency services hub, catering for VICSES and the CFA.
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State Member for Northern Victoria and then-Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced the new facility on Tuesday, December 17, joined by Rochester SES and CFA volunteers who helped choose the location.
The space will feature a motor bay room with space for seven vehicles, ancillary sheds for equipment, a shared kitchen, training room, bathrooms, administration area, turnout room and breathing apparatus maintenance space.
Rochester SES deputy controller Judith Gledhill is looking forward to the new site opening, drawing on the opportunities for combined training and resource pooling.
“It’s going to be great being able to train together occasionally, having all the facilities and everything in the same space,” she said.
“When we have a big flood, the CFA are massive supports for us, so having it all together will be easier.”
Rochester SES deputy controller Judith Gledhill and Rochester CFA captain Luke Warren welcomed the announcement.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Similarly, Rochester CFA captain Luke Warren feels the improved facility will be beneficial not only to the CFA’s capabilities, but to the interdependence of the organisations.
“It’s really exciting for us as a brigade,” he said.
“For a long time, we’ve been working in dated quarters, so we’re really excited to be moving into a newer, bigger facility.
“Membership in volunteerism in general is declining, so there’s an opportunity for perhaps those to come over and help us, and us to go over and help them.
“We work together in general anyway, it’s just a matter of being closer now.”
Then-Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes was at the site to officially announce the acquisition and speak with CFA and SES volunteers.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Ms Symes recognised the importance of providing adequate facilities for emergency services.
She further emphasised this need in Rochester, where the support of volunteers had been critical during flood events.
“Our dedicated volunteers are a vital part of our communities,” she said.
“They keep Victorians safe and we are providing the facilities they need to do just that.
“I thank our VICSES and CFA volunteers for their tireless work, particularly as the Rochester community continues to rebuild after the floods of 2022.”
Concept designs have been created for the space, with the project out for tender.
Construction is set to begin around late 2025 for an estimated project completion by the end of 2026.
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