New station for Mid North Coast volunteers
29th August 2009Ministerial media release
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Phil Koperberg today officially opened two new Rural Fire Service stations, worth a total of $148,000, on the Mid North Coast.
As well as opening the Deervale and Megan Rural Fire Brigade stations, Mr Koperberg handed over the keys to a new $145,000 bush fire tanker to volunteer firefighters from the Megan Brigade.
"For decades the volunteers of the Deervale and Megan brigades have been helping their community during bush fires, grass fires, structure fires and car accidents," Mr Koperberg said.
"These new stations will provide the volunteers from these two Mid North Coast brigades with the facilities they need to continue their proud tradition of protecting the community.
"The volunteers of this region are well respected by the communities they serve and they have earned every bit of that admiration through their diligence and hard work," he said.
"Their many years of dedication to protecting the local community during times of emergency are a true testament to the RFS volunteer spirit.
"We owe not only these brigade members but all the volunteers from the Rural Fire Service a great debt of gratitude for their dedication to protecting life and property.
"Our volunteer firefighters generously give their time to protect their communities during emergencies and the Rees Government is committed to supporting them the equipment, training and other resources they need for their vital work," he said
NSW Emergency Service Minister Steve Whan said the 2009/10 Rural Fire Fighting Fund was a record $216 million, with spending to include:
- $31.3 million for more than 200 bushfire tankers
- $16 million for new and upgraded brigade stations and fire control centres and the installation of rain water tanks
- $17 million in maintenance grants to local councils
- More than $17 million for bushfire mitigation, including $2 million to help elderly and vulnerable residents reduce their bushfire risk and
- $6 million to boost aerial firefighting resources.
New station for Mid North Coast volunteers (PDF 27KB)