‘Tireless’ rural firies closer to securing new stations
Construction has begun on 28 bushfire stations and emergency operations centers across regional NSW as part of the state government’s efforts to boost disaster preparedness.
Work is continuing on several new combined Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centers and 18 new rural fire stations across the state, the government said on Saturday.
“This summer has served as a reminder of our reliance on our volunteer firefighters who tirelessly respond to bushfire emergencies in both NSW, Victoria and beyond,” Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said.
The constructions come six years after the 2019/20 “Black Summer” bushfire season, the state’s worst disaster on record, which killed 26 people and destroyed 2,448 homes.
The disaster triggered a series of government initiatives to increase wildfire resilience.
Construction of operations centers in Cooma, Clarence Valley and Namoi-Gwydir is well advanced, the government said, adding that more than $34.5 million has been committed this year to advance construction work.
A new Rural Fire Service office complex is planned for Brewarrina, while planning for similar facilities in Eurobodalla, Tumut and Hawkesbury is progressing.
New fire stations were being built at Wilberforce on the Hawkesbury, Surf Beach on the South Coast, Dunmore on Shellharbour, Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast and Carabost on the Riverina.
In addition to fires, the government said the facilities will be “critical in coordinating the response” to other emergencies such as storms and floods.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said: “Better stations, new Fire Control Centers and modern trucks all contribute to safer, more effective firefighting operations.” he said.
“Our volunteers deserve our support, and this funding helps ensure they have it.”
