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FIREFIGHTERS have moved into a new station, which will service the growing Shellharbour region.
The new, purpose-built facility will operate under a 24-hour rooster, seven days a week in effort to boost fire and emergency services for residents of the Illawarra.
Sixteen permanent firefighters and retained (on-call) firefighters will man the $2.5 million facility, which houses two fire trucks, including a specialist rescue fire engine.
Station commander Denis Cornell said the new facility would be the central unit to cater for the growing population.
“As well as upgrades we now have permanent staff working round the clock across four shifts, plus our retained firefighters for backup. Which will really improve our response time,” he said.
“We’ve taken the rescue accreditation from Shellharbour to Albion Park which will be the centre rescue area that covers from Koonawarra to Minnamurra out to Windang and Macquarie Pass.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said the new station was a significant boost for Albion Park and surrounding areas.
“With the population and significant infrastructure growth in the Illawarra area, and the risks – structural fires, bushfires, major road and rail transport routes – it’s important to have this additional firefighting capacity.”
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward welcomed the “enhanced” and much needed Fire and Rescue cover for the Illawarra region.
“They will enjoy this new fire station that better suits their needs with more staff accommodation, storage and a new larger double engine bay.”
An official opening will be held later in the year.