mmg.com.au

Echuca SES Unit will finally have a new home after Campaspe Shire agreed to plans for a new station at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.

Echuca SES Unit controller Dean Currey said the decision would allow the unit to grow into the future.

‘‘When the floods arrived in 2011 we had six members,’’ he said.

‘‘Since then we have increased to 14 members and the new station would comfortably cater for about 20 to 22 members.’’

Mr Currey said the plans included a 20m by 25m station with toilet facilities, a car park and fittings for a communications room, a turn out room, a storeroom and kitchen area.

He said the unit had spent five years planning for a new station and had been waiting 18 months for approval after it first received funding.

The unit had gone back to the council asking for more funding to further expand the station.

‘‘This is a good outcome. The new building has been five years of planning,’’ he said.

Mr Currey said moving to Echuca south, next to Echuca-Moama Search and Rescue and Echuca ambulance station, was a positive step.

‘‘It will increase opportunities to work and train together more closely,’’ he said.

‘‘Hopefully the precinct could be further improved with the CFA move in and maybe even the police one day.

‘‘For major events, it is great to be able to work in with ambulance, search and rescue and CFA. This will help.’’

Mr Currey said the new station was also large enough to house its equipment, including items on the unit’s wish list.

‘‘We are in the process of getting a new vehicle, which will enable us to attend multiple jobs,’’ he said.

‘‘Previously if there has been more than one job at a time then we would have to call in Rochester or Kyabram to assist.’’

‘‘Two vehicles, trailers, a boat, possibly a truck with 20-odd members will be perfect for a town the size of Echuca.’’

Mr Currey said simple improvements like new toilet and shower facilities would help attract and retain members.

‘‘At the moment we have two female members and one probationary member. For them to access the toilets requires a compass and torch,’’ he said.