PUBLIC CONSULTATION – ARGYLE IRISHTOWN BUSHFIRE BRIGADE – PROPOSED NEW STATION

Letters have been sent out to all residents in the Argyle / Irishtown localities seeking comment on a proposal to construct a new volunteer fire station on Reserve 45450, located at the junction of Gemmell Road and Howlett Ramble, Argyle.  

The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Council recently considered a request from the Argyle Irishtown Bushfire Brigade (AIBFB) to support the construction of a new Brigade building on Reserve 45450, (Harjadup Reserve) located at the junction of Gemmell Road and Howlett Ramble, Argyle.  The AIBFB have been operating out of a facility on Knights Road for a number of years, however that facility is reaching the end of its useful life and is no longer fit for purpose.

In terms of funding new volunteer bushfire brigade buildings in WA, it is important to note that the building construction costs are funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) through the Local Government Grants Scheme (LGGS).  Local Government, however, is responsible for all civil works and provision of essential services. 

Under the funding arrangements, DFES will only fund proposals on land that is either owned by, or under Management Order to, the Shire.  Whilst other land parcels were considered, it was noted that many faced significant constraints including (but not limited to) land tenure, site access and existence of significant native vegetation.

Reserve 45450 was identified after extensive discussions were held between the AIBFB, the Shire and DFES and an exhaustive search of possible sites in the Argyle / Irishtown localities was undertaken.

Reserve 45450

The proposed siting of the new building on Reserve 45450 was identified by the AIBFB and the Shire with the primary objective of reducing the visual impact on surrounding landowners and is thus proposed to be set back from the road behind existing vegetation.  Subject to the final design, it may be the case that a small amount of existing vegetation may need to be removed, however if this is the case the Shire will ensure it obtains the necessary approvals and proposes to offset any removed trees at a rate of 1:10 elsewhere on Reserve 45450 if applicable.

The Shire is now inviting comment from members of the community on the proposal.

Please note that the plans displayed in this survey are conceptual only and detailed design will occur at a later stage subject to funds being made available by the Shire and DFES which may result in some changes. However the concept plans are reasonably indicative of what is being proposed at this early stage. The size of the facility will likely be similar to that contained in the concept plans and the elevations are representative of another brigade building previously constructed in the Shire (Balingup VBFB).
 
For further enquiries please contact Steve Potter, Director Operations, on 9780 4200 or email at steve.potter@donnybrook.wa.gov.au.

The quickest and easiest way is via an online survey which has been set up specifically for this purpose and can be accessed via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/aibfbfacility The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. 

Survey closes Friday 6 August at 4.00pm, 2021.