Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, left, with Fire & Rescue NSW Zone Commander Tom Cooper AFSM and Duty Commander Inspector Wayne Zikan outside the Uralla Fire & Rescue Station, which is undergoing a $1.6 million upgrade and expansion.
Thursday, 18 January 2024
URALLA Fire & Rescue Station’s $1.6 million upgrade and expansion is now only months away from completion, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall inspected progress on construction works today, along with Fire & Rescue NSW staff, which will deliver improved female amenities, a new pumper storage, decontamination as well as new clean and dirty areas.
“Uralla is now only a couple of months away from what will be a brand new and expanded station,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is great news for the community and especially our 16-strong Uralla Fire & Rescue retained firefighting contingent.
“This is the first major improvement 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,” Mr Marshall said.
“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.