A PROPOSAL to relocate the Riddells Creek fire station to Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve was not endorsed at the last Macedon Ranges Shire council meeting.
Council voted to support a recommendation not to proceed with the Country Fire Authority, CFA, proposal for a new station, which argued the current site was no longer suitable for brigade members.
Over the past year, CFA reviewed several locations and recognised the recreation reserve as compatible with its operational requirements.
Based on a report presented to council in September 2022 outlining the steps CFA used to find a suitable location, council proceeded with community consultation.
While acknowledging the demand for upgraded facilities, the council officers’ recommendation found that the proposal did not satisfy the concerns of council and community.
Concerns about access, parking and the impact on existing user groups were identified, as well as the fact that the area was designed for recreational purposes, possibly preventing future expansions of facilities within the reserve.
Cr Jennifer Anderson, who supported the motion, said further work was required to locate a space that would accommodate the CFA.
“It’s obvious through submissions that everybody wants to support the CFA but there is a passion for open space in our Riddells Creek community,” she said.
“It’s a growing community, and so the risk of placing the CFA this current proposed location [is] to be having that loss of open space.
“Everyone has said yes, they’re willing to truly support the CFA and their endeavours … but this site does not appear to be the best location. Everyone will continue to work together to find an appropriate location in the future.”
Mayor Annette Death thanked the community for its input and said council would work towards finding a new location.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on this proposal. Council will continue to work closely with the CFA, Victorian Government and Riddells Creek community to find a suitable outcome for the proposed relocation,” she said.
