Photo caption: The new $1.6 million Uralla Fire & Rescue Station was opened today, Uralla Fire Captain Ben Pascoe, left, Mayor Robert Bell, Fire & Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Steer, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, Superintendent Tom Cooper and Inspector Peter Nugent.
Tuesday, 2 April 2024
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib have today officially opened the $1.6 million new Uralla Fire & Rescue Station, alongside Mayor Robert Bell and local retained firefighters.
Mr Marshall said the opening of the upgraded and expanded Uralla Fire & Rescue Station was a red-letter day for Uralla.
“This is terrific news for the community and especially our 16-strong Uralla Fire & Rescue retained firefighting contingent, ably led by Captain Ben Pascoe,” Mr Marshall said.
“The station has doubled in size, with a new double bay storage shed for two firefighting appliances, and new showers, toilets and changerooms for male and female firefighters.
“It is a long-awaited update with the last major improvement to the station more than 30 years ago, in the early 1990s.
“This is a huge step forward for fire and rescue services in the Uralla Shire and broader region.”
Mr Marshall said the Uralla Fire & Rescue Station was unique as it also provided 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 more comfortable and spacious,” he said.
Mr Marshall said the refurbishment had been funded under the Fit for Purpose Program (Clean Pathways) and the Enhanced 10-year program for privacy and inclusion.
“A main goal under this program is to attract and retain more female firefighters which has certainly been a goal of the Uralla Station,” he said.
“It has been upgraded with an eye to the future with improved ventilation to PPE storage spaces and appliance bays, decontamination areas, as well as upgrades to breathing apparatus storage and engine bays.
“Our retained firefighters need and deserve the best possible workplace to provide fire and rescue services, as well as emergency services, and the upgraded station will make a world of difference to their working environment.”