New $2.7 million Mid North Coast Fire Control Centre Opened
1st November 2009Ministerial media release
Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Phil Koperberg represented Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today to officially open the new $2.7 million Mid North Coast Fire Control Centre in Coffs Harbour.
Mr Koperberg said that the new Centre would significantly improve operational and training capabilities for local firefighters and help them better respond to local emergencies.
"This new Fire Control Centre will be a major new asset for emergency management within the Mid North Coast area," Mr Koperberg said.
"The $2.7 million facility in Coffs Harbour provides better operations and administrations resources allowing the RFS to better coordinate its response during bush fire emergencies on the Mid North Coast.
"The new centre also provides additional training space for not only the RFS, but all emergency services in the area.
"Additional training facilities within the building will allow RFS volunteers to further hone their skills as well as allowing other emergency services to come in and train when needed.
"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," Mr Koperberg said.
Minister Whan praised volunteers on the Mid North Coast.
"We owe the Mid North Coast volunteers a great debt of gratitude for their dedication to protecting life and property," he said.
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 $2.7 million Mid North Coast Fire Control Centre Opened (PDF 49KB)