Warm welcome for Chief's visit

Starting his visit at South Morang Fire Station, Mr Ferguson met over lunch with a number of the brigade’s volunteers, before being taken on a tour of the area with Group Officer for Whittlesea/Diamond Valley Group, Lindsay McHugh and Regional Director, Greg Esnouf.

The Chief was shown various points of interest during the tour relating to urban growth and the future impact it will have on volunteer fire brigades within the area.

This includes South Morang and around Mernda and Doreen.

Given his local knowledge of the region, Group Officer McHugh also took the Chief for a trip up to Eagles View within Mill Park Lakes. GO McHugh said this gave a great view of the area, particularly the urban growth corridors in the northern suburbs, affecting CFA areas including Craigieburn and Epping.

“It won’t be too long until a lot of these areas that are now paddocks will be filled in,” GO McHugh said.

Driving through Mill Park Lakes, GO McHugh explained to the Chief how the area had gone from open land to a large residential estate in just 12 years.

“There is a lot of planning going on behind the scenes in terms of urban growth, but I think this was a great opportunity for the Chief Officer to see first hand, how the area looks now, compared to what we will see in five to 10 years time,” GO McHugh said.

“It is also fantastic for our members to be able to meet our Chief Officer in person so I thank Euan for taking this time out of his busy schedule to come out and visit our volunteers.

“I also thank those brigade members who have taken time out of their day to come and meet the Chief.”

As part of his visit to the region, the Chief also met with members of the Mernda, Whittlesea, Doreen, Yarrambat and Plenty Fire Brigades. Tonight (03/05) he will join volunteers for an informal dinner.