Minns Labor Government has allocated $8.2 million in the 2024-25 Budget to the new facility, which will include additional space for storage and new training areas for on-call crews.
Design of the new facility will start in the upcoming financial year and will be informed by consultation with the Byron Bay crew.
The new station will be designed to meet the needs of a diversifying firefighting workforce and adhere to FRNSW’s ‘Clean Firefighter’ policy, separating work and cleaning areas.
The existing station is 46 years old and has limited scope for expansion and modernisation.
Funding for the design of the Byron Bay station is part of a $96.9 million capital investment in the Fire and Rescue network in 2024-25, including funding for new fire stations at Badgerys Creek and Charlestown.
The Minns Labor Government has also committed an additional $189.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to guarantee the positions of 286 permanent firefighters, whose jobs were not previously funded on an ongoing basis.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential services across the State through the NSW Budget 2024-25, ensuring Fire and Rescue NSW can respond to emergencies and providing job security for firefighters.”
“This new facility will replace a facility that is almost 50 years old and provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the community."
Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:
“Huge congratulations to Zone Commander Greg Lewis and the team at Byron Fire and Rescue, and all our firies for their advocacy, and for the Byron crew delivering unwavering service in a substandard station for years.”
“This much needed, purpose-built facility will deliver safer communities and better equipped firefighters.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:
“This new station will ensure Byron Bay firefighters have the modern facilities and resources they need to protect the community effectively."
“A new fire station is important for our operational readiness in Byron Bay, and we are dedicated to improving our facilities to meet the needs of firefighters and the communities they keep safe.”
