Building a better future for RFS Brigade Volunteers
Work is underway to boost the safety of regional communities across the state with the development of 28 new or upgraded bush fire and emergency facilities.
The Minns Labor Government has committed more than $34.5 million this year to progress work on NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) facilities including six new combined Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres and 18 new rural fire stations.
Construction of new Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres at Cooma, Clarence Valley and Namoi-Gwydir is well advanced, with planning work progressing for new facilities at Eurobodalla, Tumut and the Hawkesbury.
A new RFS office complex is also being planned at Brewarrina which will provide a station, mitigation crew base and office facilities to support remote brigades in the state’s far west.
The new centres will be critical in coordinating the response to bush fires and other emergencies such as storms and floods.
To support RFS volunteers, work is underway to build 18 new rural fire brigade stations and upgrade another four. This will give members the modern facilities and amenities they need for their essential roles.
These include facilities at Wilberforce in the Hawkesbury, Surf Beach on the South Coast, Dunmore at Shellharbour, Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast and Carabost in the Riverina.
These projects are at different stages of the development process, with some already under construction and others in the initial planning phase. They will be progressively delivered over coming years as planning approval, tenders and building works are finalised.
The Minns Labor Government is supporting the dedicated RFS volunteers and communities with the facilities they need to manage emergencies into the future. RFS station locations are delivered with local government to meet the needs of local communities, with Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres strategically placed to support disaster planning across fire districts.
Work on these RFS facilities builds on significant ongoing investment in new trucks, technology to better communicate on firegrounds, improved aviation support and enhanced equipment for brigades.
The growth in RFS capability reflects the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing investment in frontline emergency services, supporting firefighter safety, operational readiness and community safety.
Minister for Emergency Service Jihad Dib said:
“This summer has already served as a reminder of our reliance on our volunteer firefighters, who have tirelessly responded to bush fire emergencies in both NSW, Victoria and beyond.
“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring our volunteers have what they need to do their job; our focus on the state’s firefighting capability reflects our deep respect for the people who step up when it matters most.
“We are planning for the future and investing in firefighting facilities so they have the infrastructure they need, both on the fireground and to coordinate effective emergency response operations.
“Rural firefighting response has been a partnership with local government for one hundred years and I thank councils for their shared contribution in keeping communities safe.”
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said:
“These investments make a real difference to our members on the ground. Better stations, new Fire Control Centres and modern trucks all contribute to safer, more effective firefighting operations.
“Our volunteers deserve our support and this funding helps ensure they have it. We’re grateful for the continued partnership between government and councils in delivering these vital projects.”