Tuesday, 05 August 2008

EMBARGOED TO 11-00 AM TUESDAY, 5 AUGUST 2008

Members for Davidson and Pittwater, Jonathan O’Dea and Rob Stokes, have enthusiastically welcomed the official start of new Rural Fire Service facilities for the Warringah-Pittwater Headquarters Brigade, based at Terrey Hills.


"L-R: Captain of the Warringah-Pittwater Headquarters
Brigade John Winter, Member for Davidson Jonathan
O'Dea, NSWRFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons,
Warringah Council Administrator Dick Persson,
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes and Mayor of
Pittwater Clr. David James."


"L-R: Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea,
Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service,
Shane Fitzsimmons and Member for Pittwater,
Rob Stokes."
Addressing the official sod turning ceremony, Mr O’Dea paid tribute to the work of the Rural Fire Service and particularly praised the efforts of volunteers who had given their time to raise funds for the new building.
“Many of us have seen the volunteers at various venues, promoting the work of the Rural Fire Service and highlighting the need for additional proceeds,” Mr O’Dea said.

“Now the volunteers and the general public can begin to see the rewards for their generosity, through the construction of this much-needed new station.

“It has taken 14 years to raise the funds and secure the land,” Mr O’Dea said.

The specifically designed $1.3million facility has also received funding from the State Government, Warringah Council and the Rural Fire Service.

The building will include two large bays to house equipment, a crew room, meeting room, change rooms and an office, and should be completed by March next year.

Member for Pittwater, Rob Stokes said, “Anything that assists our volunteers to more effectively protect life and property within our local community is a welcome move.”

“The Rural Fire Service also needs to be recognised for their outstanding work to mitigate the threat of fires through their off-season hazard reduction program.

“Nevertheless, when fire threatens, it is good to know we can call on the Rural Fire Service volunteers to help defend our environment from devastating fires,” he said.

Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea said an added benefit of the new building will be the ability to update existing infrastructure to provide a modern training facility for the volunteers and an improved workshop for the maintenance of equipment.
 
“I congratulate all those involved with the service and particularly those who have worked so hard to see the first sod turned for the new facilities,” Mr O’Dea concluded.