Firefighting capabilities and support to better protect residents in south-western NSW and the food bowl in the Riverina have received a $3.9 million boost.
NSW Rural Fire Service Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White officially opened two new brigade stations and upgraded training facilities, handed over five firefighting trucks and recognised more than 160 volunteers in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) this week.
The celebrations began with the presentation of 39 Long Service Medals and five National Medals to volunteers with a combined service of more than 1600 years,” Chief Superintendent White said.
Five firefighting trucks were handed over to the Conapaira West, Carrathool Town, Grong Grong, Tubbo and Hanwood Rural Fire Brigades.
“It’s important RFS members have access to modern firefighting technology when preparing for and responding to fires and other incidents,” Chief Superintendent White said.
“These new vehicles, with a combined value of more than $1.7 million, include galvanised steel tanks, electric hose reels and the latest crew protection systems, that will enable the brigades to strengthen their firefighting efforts in the local area.”
Chief Superintendent White capped off a big week for the MIA, officially opening new brigade stations at Landervale and Kooba and the upgraded District Training Centre at Bilbul.
National medal for Paynters Siding fire chief
“Both stations boast two truck bays, training room, kitchen, storeroom and bathroom facilities, while the extension to the MIA Training Centre features a special room to simulate smoke-filled structures, compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) compressor room, and training room,” she said.
“This significant investment of more than $2.2 million will not only ensure our members are even better equipped and supported to protect their local communities, but the training facility is also available to community groups to utilise.
The new Grong Grong truck was handed over along with the Landervale Brigade Station opening on Saturday.
Ms Stephanie Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra, was present along with Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White/Area Commander South Western and Superintendent Scott Connor MIA District.
Justin Langley received a National Medal on Friday evening. Justin is the Captain of Paynters Siding Fire Brigade which is in the Narrandera Shire.
The Grong Grong vehicle cost $368,000 and is a 2022 Isuzu Model FTS 139-260 Dual Cab.
Landervale Captain Aaron Whillans was on hand to accept the brigade’s new fire truck.
Landervale was settled in the 1920’s and the brigade is believed to have started around the same time. It has a membership of 28 volunteers.
Warakirri Cropping has 19,033 arable hectares with blocks spread over 90kms within the brigade area. Many of the employees of Warakirri Cropping have become members of this brigade.
The last major fire attended by Landervale was the Mount Olive Fire on Kamarah Road, Landervale in March 2023.
Landervale is a Rural Brigade, attending grass fires. The proximity of the brigade to the Newell Highway means they also attend MVA’s.
Among the major fires they have attended are the Mount Olive Fire, Kamarah Road, Landervale in 17/03/2023 (100ha), Ardlethan Rd, Cowabbie in the Riverina District December 4 2020 (451ha) and the Colinroobie Ranges November 28 2006 (1213ha).
Most members of the Landervale Brigade are farmers and the brigade borders the Riverina District and supports brigades in that district.
The new Landervale brigade station cost $740,000. The brigade did not previously have a station and it is expected that the station will be a hub for other entities to use as central point for meetings for rural landholders.
Construction commenced in September 2023 and was completed in June this year. It features training rooms, kitchen, storerooms, workshops as well as appliance bays and bathroom facilities.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 15 August 2024.
