Fire stations at Cooma and Thredbo received money for upgrades. Photo: Fire and Rescue NSW.
More than $2.5 million has been spent on two Snowy Monaro fire stations to bring them up to date.
Cooma Fire Station underwent a $1.7 million makeover, while $900,000 was invested in Thredbo Fire Station.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Acting Area Commander Stewart Alexander said the works had to be carefully planned.
“The timing of construction work at both stations had to work around the busy ski season and weather conditions,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to have upgraded fire stations available to service Snowy Mountains communities.”
Cooma’s station has been future-proofed with new engine bays and an extended driveway to better accommodate fire engines of all shapes and sizes.
New washroom facilities for firefighters, a motion-sensor LED lighting system, and improved equipment storage space are further improvements.
An automatic ventilation system has also been installed to remove fumes from engine bays, while clean-up facilities for use in the aftermath of a hazardous waste incident have been improved.
The Thredbo station has been upgraded with improved ventilation, new roller shutters and modernised facilities.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the changes followed feedback from firefighters.
“We’ve acted on their advice to create new-look workplaces designed to meet emergency response needs now and into the future,” he said.
“Snowy Mountains firefighters work in unique conditions, and the improved design of their fire stations reflects this.”
These upgrades improve the emergency preparedness of both stations.
Member for Monaro Steve Whan thanked firefighters for their work.
“They balance the demands of part-time roles and training with their work and family commitments, and they turn out, not just in emergencies, but at a range of community events.
“I’m pleased to see the upgraded facilities meeting the needs of the committed firefighters.”
He also encouraged locals to reach out to FRNSW if they were keen on becoming a retained firefighter at their local station.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the upgrades would help firefighters during their operations – and into the future.
“This $2.5 million investment in Snowy Mountains fire stations, provides fire protection for local communities for years to come.
“It’s been great to visit these stations as refurbishments are completed, and these are just some of the improvements Fire and Rescue NSW is rolling out at stations across the state.
“This is a significant commitment by the NSW Government to boost frontline firefighting in a bushfire-prone environment and keep communities safe.”
