Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall with NSW Rural Fire Service Namoi/Gwydir Superintendent Michael Brooks in Bingara.
GWYDIR Shire NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades will receive a boost of $540,000 in equipment and facilities, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said the government had allocated the funds following bids from the brigades and Namoi/Gwydir RFS Superintendent Michael Brooks, who Mr Marshall met with in Bingara last week to discuss the breakdown of the new funds.
“I’m delighted that two new Category 7 fire trucks have been allocated to Gwydir brigades – they are 5.5 tonne vehicles carrying equipment and 1,500 litres of water,” Mr Marshall said.
“The plan is to replace the existing 1999 model Category 7 truck at Keera Brigade and the 1996 Category 7 truck at Avon Downs Brigade with these new and modern vehicles.
“This allows Keera’s old truck to replace Oakey Creek Brigade’s 24-year-old vehicle which will be disposed of.
“Avon Downs Brigade’s former truck will be retained as support and back up for other brigades.”
Mr Marshall said $82,000 of the funding will be used to finish the new station at Gravesend and place a portable building at the Warialda airport to house RFS volunteers during aviation operations.
“The new Gravesend RFS station is due to be completed within the next couple of weeks and planning has commenced with Gwydir Shire Council on a new station for the Stonefield Brigade at Warialda Rail.
“The RFS has an excellent working partnership with Gwydir Shire Council and $100,000 has been allocated to their hazard reduction program that consists of strategic burning, slashing and fire trail maintenance.
“I’m very pleased to see these extra resources being provided to boost our local RFS and support the many volunteers that give so much to protect people and property.”