Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall outside the Uralla Fire & Rescue Station, which will undergo a $1.6 million upgrade and expansion, starting next month.
Friday, 10 March 2023
URALLA’S Fire & Rescue Station is set for a major upgrade and expansion over the next six months, with a $1.6 million project to commence in April to improve female amenities, build new pumper storage, provide for decontamination as well as clean and dirty areas, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall MP announced today.
Mr Marshall said the tender for the works had closed and responses from builders were currently being assessed.
“This is great news for the community and especially our 16-strong Uralla Fire & Rescue retained firefighting contingent,” Mr Marshall said.
“This project will be the first major improvements to the station in more than 30 years, when the second engine bay was added in the early 1990s.
“The work will roughly double the size of the current station, constructing new double bay storage shed for the two firefighting appliances and converting existing bays into new showers, toilets and changerooms for male and female firefighters.”
Mr Marshall said Uralla was unique, being the only Fire & Rescue Station across the Northern Tablelands which performed first response duties for ambulance services, attending scenes of critical incidents to administer first aid and paramedic treatment before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrive.
“The Uralla firefighters do an extraordinary job of protecting the community of Uralla and these upgrades will be very welcome, making the station much more comfortable and spacious.
“This will assist them conducting their regular training exercises but also to attract and retain more female firefighters, which has been a goal of the Uralla station.
“A recent review found the female amenities and decontamination areas are weaknesses in modern fire stations due to a variety of historical factors and this upgrade is about bringing the station up to modern standards.
“Improved ventilation to PPE storage spaces and appliance bays are also on the cards as well as upgrades to breathing apparatus storage and to the engine bays.
The renovations at Uralla Fire & Rescue Station are funded through the Fit for Purpose Program (Clean Pathways) and the Enhanced 10-year program for privacy and inclusion.