New stations and bush fire tankers for firefighters in State's south-west
19th August 2009Ministerial media release
Nine NSW Rural Fire Service fire stations and eight bush fire tankers would be handed over to volunteer firefighters in the State's far south-west over the next three days, NSW Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan said.
"This represents almost a $2 million investment in the safety of the community in the Mid Murray region," Mr Whan said said.
Country Labor MLC Tony Catanzariti represented Minister Whan to open the stations and officially hand over the tankers, plus also present a series of Long Service Awards and a National Medal to recognise 720 years of dedicated service by local volunteers.
"Our volunteer firefighters generously give their time to protect their communities during emergencies and the Rees Government is committed to providing them with the resources they need for their vital work," Mr Catanzariti said.
"These stations and bush fire tankers will mean that our volunteer firefighters in this region are better equipped in their efforts to protect the community and have improved operating and training bases.
"Each of these tankers is fitted with a range of firefighting equipment such as pumps and hoses, enhancing the brigades' ability to protect life and property within the greater Mid Murray community.
"RFS volunteers in this area have shown an incredible, long-time commitment and willingness to go out and help protect other communities as well as their own.
"Firefighters in south-western NSW face different challenges from those in heavily forested regions of the State and we are committed to ensuring they have the equipment and facilities they need."
Mr Catanzariti will today open new brigade stations at Argoon, Yamma, Bolton and Mairjimmy, along with officially handing over new bushfire tankers, worth a total of $480,000, to brigades at Yamma and Bolton.
He will also present awards eight Long Service Awards to members of the Argoon and Bolton Rural Fire Brigades.
Tomorrow, he will open stations at Noorong, Tullakool and West Windouran; officially hand over five new bush fire tankers worth more than $1 million to the Moulamein, Tooleybuc, Barham and West Windouran brigades; and present six Long Service Awards and a National Medal.
On Friday, Mr Catanzariti will conclude his visit to the region by officially opening new fire stations at Blighty and Wandook; handing over a $174,000 tanker to the Wanganella brigade; and presenting seven Long Service Awards.
New stations and bush fire tankers for firefighters in State's south-west (PDF 27KB)