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Construction crews have broken ground on the long-awaited replacement for the Riddells Creek Fire Station, a project that local officials say will dramatically improve emergency response capabilities for the growing rural community. The new facility, located at 123 Main Street, will replace the existing station that has served the area since the 1970s.
Work began on March 28, 2025, after years of planning and community advocacy. The new station is designed to accommodate modern firefighting equipment, including larger tankers and pumpers, and will feature dedicated training spaces, enhanced decontamination zones, and improved living quarters for on-call volunteers.
“This is a huge milestone for our brigade and the entire Riddells Creek community,” said Captain Sarah Mitchell, who has led the volunteer firefighting team for over a decade. “The old station was cramped, had no proper ventilation, and couldn’t fit our newest vehicles. This new building will give us the room we need to train, respond, and keep our crews safe.”
The project is funded through a partnership between the Victorian Government’s Fire Services Property Levy and the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Total cost is estimated at $4.2 million AUD, with construction being handled by local builder Thompson & Sons. Site preparation including soil testing and utility relocation was completed in February.
Architectural plans show a two-story structure with a drive-through apparatus bay, allowing trucks to enter and exit without reversing—a key safety feature. The station will also include a backup generator, rainwater harvesting system, and solar panels to ensure operational resilience during power outages.
Why This Station Matters
Riddells Creek has experienced steady population growth over the past decade, with new housing estates pushing the town’s population past 5,000. The existing station, originally built to serve a smaller rural area, now struggles to meet the needs of a community that includes both residential zones and bushland.
“Response times to the western edge of town have been creeping up because the old station is on the eastern side. The new location is more central, shaving off four to five minutes during peak traffic,” explained CFA District Manager Mark Turner. “Those minutes can be critical when you’re dealing with a house fire or a road accident.”
The new station will also serve as a base for the brigade’s firefighting fleet, which includes two heavy tankers, a pumper, and a support vehicle. Volunteers currently number 35, but the brigade hopes the modern facility will attract new members.
Exclusive Interview: Former Chief Reflects on Service
Speaking exclusively to this outlet, former CFA Chief Officer John Anderson—who served for 28 years—praised the investment. “I remember when Riddells Creek was a sleepy hamlet. Now it’s a commuter town. The station upgrade is overdue but welcome. The CFA has been pushing for infrastructure that matches the risk profile, and this is a great example.”
Anderson noted that the new station’s design aligns with national standards for volunteer fire station safety, including separate clean and dirty zones to reduce carcinogen exposure. “That’s a huge leap forward for volunteer health. We’ve known for years that firefighting gear can carry toxic residues, but many old stations still mix living areas with equipment storage.”
Timeline and Next Steps
Foundation pouring is scheduled for mid-April, with steel framing to follow in May. The project is expected to be completed by February 2026, with a formal opening ceremony planned for March. During construction, the brigade will operate out of temporary facilities at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve.
The CFA has assured residents that emergency coverage will not be interrupted. A backup crew will be stationed at the nearby Macedon Fire Station, 10 minutes away, to ensure response times remain within acceptable limits.
Broader Context: Rural Fire Station Upgrades Across Victoria
The Riddells Creek project is part of a broader state-wide push to modernize rural fire stations. In 2024, the Victorian Government allocated $55 million for station upgrades across 20 locations, including similar projects in Lancefield, Woodend, and Gisborne. Many of these stations were built in the 1960s and 70s and lack basic amenities like heating, restrooms, and exhaust extraction systems.
CFA statistics show that volunteer firefighter numbers have declined by 8% over the past five years, partly due to aging facilities. The new stations aim to reverse that trend by providing a more professional and welcoming environment.
Local Reaction
Residents have expressed excitement about the project. “I’ve lived here 30 years, and we’ve been talking about a new station for at least 15,” said Judy Chen, a local business owner. “The volunteers do so much—they’re at our community events, they help with floods, they save lives. They deserve a proper home.”
The Riddells Creek Fire Brigade will hold a community information session on April 5 at the Riddells Creek Hall to show detailed plans and answer questions.
What This Means for the Future
With the new station, Riddells Creek is better positioned to handle the growing risks of bushfire, particularly as climate change extends the fire season. The station’s solar panels and rainwater tanks also contribute to the CFA’s sustainability goals, reducing operational costs and carbon footprint.
“We’re not just building a shed for trucks,” Captain Mitchell said. “We’re building a hub for community safety, for training, and for the next generation of volunteers. This is an investment in the future of our town.”
As the construction progresses, updates will be posted
