Ballan could be home to a new CFA training facility following permanent closure of the Fiskville site because of contamination.
Buninyong MP Geoff Howard said last week the government and CFA were keen to find a new training centre in the municipality.
“The government, in conjunction with the CFA, is keen to fast-track an alternative training facility in the Ballan area.
“We want to get that moving as quickly as possible.”
Mr Howard said both the government and CFA were also working to support the many staff and businesses associated with Fiskville.
He said no jobs had been lost at this stage, with many staff expected to be relocated within the CFA.
Mr Howard said there would also be support and future opportunities for casual staff, particularly those who had been working in hospitality at Fiskville.
“I will continue to work closely with the various ministers, the CFA, local businesses and Moorabool council to try to help those affected by the transition.”
Meanwhile, the community’s fight to save Fiskville is gaining momentum.
A petition has been launched protesting the facilities permanent closure.
Ballan fire brigade, which created the Facebook page Proud to Support Fiskville, has also launched a Save Fiskville campaign in its bid to have the facility reopened.
The brigade’s Lieutenant Ian Ireland said he would rather Fiskville was cleaned up and reopened than have to find a new site. “If there is a problem there, they still need to decimate it to be able to do anything with it and that’s going to cost more money,” he said. “Why can’t we fix it and reuse it?
“The administration area is fine and the storage and dining area is all fine,” he said. “Then why can’t you build a new pad?”
Lieutenant Ireland said that even if a new training facility was built in the municipality, it would never be another Fiskville.
“It’s not going to be at the same magnitude as what you’ve got at Fiskville,” he said. “Therefore it won’t cater for the workforce.”
Related
Community, fireys push to reopen Fiskville CFA facility
Moorabool mayor fires up over Fiskville impact
Fiskville study vindicates claims, says widow of firefighter
Fiskville CFA training centre inquiry terms announced
Fiskville: Works to blitz toxic waste at fireys’ training centre
