Southern Highlands welcomes $2.2 million investment in new fire stations

Summary

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) today celebrated the official opening of two stations in the Southern Highlands region that will help members provide local communities with an even higher level of fire protection.

Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Senior Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald AFSM joined brigade members at two ceremonies to mark the occasion for the Bargo and Colo Vale Brigades.

Mr Rowell said both of these brand new stations are larger than their previous sites and featured assigned areas for training.

“I know the dedicated volunteers will put all of these new facilities to good use,” Mr Rowell said.

Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said the $1.3 million Bargo station, part funded by the Brigades own fundraising efforts, features four truck bays, meeting room, office and kitchen.

“The station is located on Avon Dam Road, on a block identified specifically to optimise Bargo Brigade’s responses, purchased at $364,000 by Wollondilly Council,” Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

“The new Colo Vale Brigades $625,000 station in the Wingecarribee Council area is located on council land at the corner of Wilson Drive and Church Avenue, Colo Vale and features three bays, meeting room, break out area and office along with cooking facilities

“The need for more room highlights the increase in both Brigades membership over time and the brigades increased responsibility and commitment to the Southern Highlands region.

“The NSW RFS, working cooperatively with the state and local governments, is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents.

“These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Districts.”

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855