Millfield Rural Fire Brigade's search for land where it can build a new shed continues, and Cessnock City Council will prepare a report outlining its position regarding the new premises and how it intends to progress.
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The brigade - which calls a disused chicken shed home - has received an outpouring of support from the community, with more than 1000 people signing a petition asking council to prioritise and allocate a suitable portion of land for its permanent location.
The shed is located on private property, owned by the brigade founders, who have provided it free of charge for 15 years.
Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service have investigated land in Millfield, Paxton and Ellalong, but have not yet been able to find a suitable property.
Millfield RFS president Peter Beveridge said Crown land was the latest option being explored, and was hopeful a viable option would be presented soon.
Mr Beveridge said a new shed was vital for the future of the brigade, which signed up 12 new members at a recent information day.
Council will bring back a report and recommendation within three months outlining its position relating to the location of the new Millfield RFS premises, and how it intends to further progress its position.
The report will also outline the costs and funding sources to deliver the required infrastructure, in conjunction with external bodies; and a timeline for delivery that takes in to account all stakeholders.
The report was requested by Ward A councillor Paul Dunn in a notice of motion that was unanimously supported.
"There are long-standing issues with respect to the location of the Millfield RFS. There are many stakeholders of which Cessnock City Council is one," Cr Dunn said.
"Cessnock City Council needs to ensure that we are not the reason for the delivery of infrastructure being delayed, and are transparent as to our role in the relationship with external bodies."
Councillor Dunn's fellow Ward A councillors Mark Lyons and Allan Stapleford spoke in support of the motion.
Cr Lyons said it was a "timely motion", and suggested that the project may be able to draw from the $1 million disaster recovery fund.
Cr Stapleford said the petition, with more than 1000 signatures, was proof that the new shed was supported by the community.
"It's really needed," he said.
The petition will be tabled at council's February 19 meeting, and can still be signed at Millfield General Store, Paxton Hotel, Ellalong Hotel, Paxton Bowling Club and Paxton General Store.
Paxton Bowling Club will also host a fundraiser for the brigade on Sunday, February 16. The event will start at 1pm and will include raffles, an auction, barefoot bowls (from 3pm) and entertainment by Get What You're Given and Tim Usher (from 4pm).
Meanwhile, the Congewai Community Group is organising a family fun day for the brigade, to be held at Crawfordville Park, Millfield on Saturday, April 4 from 12pm to 6pm, with kids' activities, stalls, food, bands and more.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
