Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, right, has welcomed assurances from the Minister for Emergency Services that the Bingara Fire & Rescue Station will remain open.
Tuesday, 20 June 2023
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has welcomed a response from the Minister for Emergency Services about the future of the Bingara Fire & Rescue NSW station, which confirmed it would remain open and a recruitment campaign commenced to find more local firefighters.
Last month Mr Marshall put a question on the notice paper asking for a “cast iron guarantee” that a closure of the station was not on the cards.
“I welcome the Minister’s guarantee to not just keep Bingara Fire Station open, but to actively recruit new firefighters, so that in the event of a fire or disaster, the people of Bingara and district are properly equipped and supported,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is a win not the region, but the truth is it never should have come to this.
“Bingara may be a small community but lives out here are just as important as ones in the big city and just as deserving of adequate fire protection.”
Mr Marshall said the local recruitment drive, in conjunction with Gwydir Shire Council, was now underway and three potential firefighters had already been found.
“This is great news, but we need to keep a close eye on Fire & Rescue NSW to make sure they follow through and honour the commitment the Minister has made,” Mr Marshall said.
“I know in the past that a number of locals have approached Fire & Rescue NSW to sign up only to be told they weren’t recruiting but now is your chance.
“I encourage Bingara locals who want to keep the fire station open to think about signing up.”
Mr Marshall’s question:
My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services:
In relation to the Bingara Fire & Rescue NSW station,
- Can the Minister confirm the government has no plans to close the Bingara Fire & Rescue NSW station?
- If yes, when will Fire & Rescue NSW commence a genuine and appropriate community recruitment campaign for new retained firefighters?
- Will the existing firefighting appliances and pumper remain at the station?
10 May 2023
Minister’s answer:
I am advised that:
No decision has been made to close Bingara Fire Station.
Fire and Rescue NSW is preparing a new recruitment drive in partnership with Gwydir Shire Council with a dedicated recruitment officer.
13 June 2023