UPGRADED Rural Fire Service (RFS) stations at Valla and Newee Creek were officially opened over the weekend.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and RFS District Manager Superintendent Liz Ferris AFSM joined the dedicated local RFS crews to celebrate.
Both stations underwent major transformations, with Newee Creek’s upgrade costing $1.34million and Valla’s $913,000.
Superintendent Liz Ferris said that the new facilities were a fitting way to thank the passionate volunteers that had selflessly protected the community, especially in recent years.
“Our brave RFS volunteers selflessly put themselves in the line of fire on behalf of their communities to protect lives and livelihoods, so for their critical facilities to receive these upgrades is the perfect way to recognise and thank them.
“I’m proud to see these works finally completed.
“Our local brigades certainly deserve them. We’re ready to go!”
The initial $847,520 of funding for the Newee Creek Station and community area was secured in 2022 by Mr Conaghan through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.
As a result of COVID delays and increasing building costs, an additional $499,263 was secured from the NSW Government by the RFS to ensure the Newee station upgrades came to fruition in full and as originally planned.
“It has been a long time coming for this worthy project, and I know that the local RFS crews have been eagerly awaiting the Station’s completion,” Mr Conaghan said.
“The Black Summer Bushfires are still fresh in our minds, and we have seen further loss of life, property and forest in subsequent seasons.
“The Newee Creek Station is a critical resource, and now has three new vehicle bays, a designated training room for volunteer firefighters, accessible toilet, shower facilities and kitchen upgrade,” Mr Conaghan said.
“Importantly, the improved facility has uninterrupted power as well as connection to the town water supply, providing a safe meeting place for volunteers and the greater community.”
The Valla Station’s newly completed works include the addition of a new bay to house the new Cat 1 Tanker that was unable to be accommodated by the previous shed and was located off site, hampering the speed of rescue efforts.
The station’s kitchen, training room, bathrooms and water tank were also updated.
An RFS member himself, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has a first-hand understanding of the positive impact these facilities will have on crews and communities.
“In a bushfire situation, seconds and minutes count,” he said.
“To know that our local volunteers will be able to access efficient, reliable and ultimately safer facilities is so important.”
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