WORK COMMENCES ON NEW MENAI RURAL FIRE STATION The start of a new era for local NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) firefighters was marked today as the first sod was turned on the new Menai Station. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said the new $1.4 million station would provide the Menai Rural Fire Brigade with a state-of-the-art firefighting and training facility. “The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the safety of the people of NSW and to providing our firefighters with the best possible equipment and resources so they can get on with the job they do best,” Mr Ayres said. “This work will see Menai RFS brought up to modern standards with the ability to continue its work in keeping the local community safe.” NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley said new station will be a welcome addition for volunteers. “This will be a brand new, first class facility that will provide a tremendous boost to the Menai RFB members, as well as the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Midgley said. “Our volunteers are committed to helping their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week and this new station will assist them to carry out that important work.” The new Menai station will feature a purpose-built operation and administration office, training room, storeroom, workshop, kitchen, amenities and an outdoor terrace. It will replace the current station which was originally built in 1946 and extended in 1956. Member for Menai Melanie Gibbons said the local brigade has played a significant role in the community for more than 74 years. “With the Sutherland Shire experiencing major bush fire in 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2002 I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work of the Menai brigade,” Ms Gibbons said. “To see work commence today is a great moment for the Menai community.” Mayor of Sutherland Shire Kent Johns said it was great to see the project get underway with the new facility expected to be completed mid 2015. The new facility is being built at 128-130 Old Illawarra Road, Barden Ridge, a move away from the current location in Menai Road, Menai near Menai’s retail district. “The new station represents a major investment and commitment by Council, in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, in ensuring we have the best fire fighting facilities fitted with the latest technology and equipment here in the Shire. “We are indeed fortunate to have such a strong Rural Fire Service here in the Shire and the new Menai Bush Fire Station will be yet another great addition to the service,” the Mayor said. The current Menai Bush Fire Station at Menai will continue to operate as normal until the new facility at Barden Ridge is completed next year.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 02:02:24 +0000
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