Canobolas Zone celebrates $1.5 million investment in firefighting resources

Richard Colless MLC and NSW RFS Senior Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald AFSM congratulated members of the Springside and Cudal Rural Fire Brigades on the official opening of their new stations.

Mr Colless said both these new stations, with a combined value of $490,000 will help ensure an even greater level of service for the Conobolas area.

“This is the first permanent station for the Springside Brigade, having tankers previously housed at separate private properties,” Mr Colless said.

“I’d also like to thank the assistance of Cadia Valley Operations for the $20,000 grant contributing to the cost of this facility. “Cudal Brigade has moved in to a bigger location, with both new stations housing two bays, a multipurpose room and amenities too.”

Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald also commended the members of the Cudal, Springside and Tallwood Brigades with the handover of a Category One tanker to each brigade.

“The new vehicles for Springside and Tallwood brigades, each worth $322,000 are replacing older style models and will allow volunteer firefighters to continue providing a high level of emergency service to residents in the Canobolas Zone area.

“Cudal Brigade has taken advantage of Springside’s former vehicle, valued at $100,000, through the Zone Tanker Upgrade Program.”

Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said the NSW RFS, working cooperatively with state and local governments, was committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the resources they need to protect the community.

“The investment of over $1.2 million for new stations and vehicles in the Canobolas Zone area ensures our volunteers have the necessary equipment to continue protecting life and property,” Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

“I would like to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day.”

Whilst in the region, a $300,000 State Mitigation Services Shed at the rear of the Canobolas Fire Control Centre in Orange was also officially opened.

Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said the shed included a workshop, storeroom office and kitchen.

“This facility will further enhance the capacity for State Mitigation to undertake bush fire mitigation works and the Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents (AIDER) program in the Canobolas Zone area,” Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.