First sod turned at new $2.6m Area Western Command Facility

State Member for Cootamundra Ms Steph Cooke MP and NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers had hand on shovel as construction begins for the new $2.6 million building in Cowra.

Ms Cooke said the new facility will provide state of the art facilities to enhance support to District staff and volunteers during incidents and day-to-day needs.

“This brand new, first class building will provide a tremendous boost to the District members in Area Western, one of seven NSW RFS areas across the state, as well as the local community.

“This building will include office space for all Area Command staff, welfare amenities such as kitchenettes and bathrooms, and multi-purpose usage including storage for mitigation and brigade equipment.

Commissioner Rogers said NSW RFS members are committed to helping their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week and this new facility and the support staff give, will assist them to carry out that important work that we are proud of and grateful for.

“Following a restructure of the NSW RFS, Cowra was chosen as the optimum site of the Command base for the Western Area and everyone is looking forward to working from the one location,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“Area Western covers more than 65% of NSW from Lithgow in the East, Harden in the southwest to Wilcannia and Brewarrina in the west and north.”

In addition to NSW RFS Area operations, this site will also house and support the Waugoola Brigade and Air Base. Construction of the new facility on Johnstone Way, Cowra, is due for completion by December 2021.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the Service, working together with state and local governments like Cowra Shire Council, is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the facilities and equipment they need to carry out their roles safely and effectively.

“Members of the almost 450 brigades in the Western Area continue to protect their communities from grass, bush and crop fires as well as a diverse array of incidents like motor vehicle accidents and support to other agencies,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“In addition to responding to incidents and attending fires further afield, brigades regularly undertake community engagement within the local community and facilities such as this continue to enhance this capacity from a central point.”