New station and vehicles for Sutherland volunteers
12th September 2009Ministerial media release
Member for Heathcote Paul McLeay was joined by the Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan today to officially open the new $1.1 million Engadine Rural Fire Brigade Station, plus present two new personnel carriers worth a total of $90,000.
The Minister handed over the keys to the new vehicles to RFS volunteers from the Bundeena and Kurnell Brigades as well as presenting awards for 260 years of service by volunteers from the Sutherland Shire.
"Volunteers of Sutherland have been helping their community for decades during bush fires, grass fires, structure fires and car accidents," Mr McLeay said.
"This new $1.1 million facility in Engadine will provide the volunteers with the level of facilities they need to continue their proud tradition of protecting the community.
"The new facility provides additional training space and will also make their planning and other operational activities easier," the Minister said.
"The volunteers of the Sutherland area 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.
Mr Whan said that the two new personnel carriers will assist the volunteers of Bundeena and Kurnell Brigades to more effectively fight fires both in Sutherland and the surrounding areas.
"Our volunteer firefighters generously give their time to protect their communities during emergencies and the Rees Government is committed to supporting them with the equipment, training and other resources they need for their vital work.
"I congratulate the volunteers receiving awards today and thank them for their extraordinary service.
Mr 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 and vehicles for Sutherland volunteers (PDF 32KB)