A new fire station and three new trucks have bolstered the Riverina’s bushfire protection capabilities. Photo: Supplied.
The Riverina celebrated another milestone in bushfire protection with the official opening of the Illabo Rural Fire Brigade’s station on the weekend.
Three state-of-the-art new fire trucks were delivered to the region as RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers and Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke joined the locals to mark the occasion.
“The new $240,000 fire station on Turland Street will now accommodate the brigade’s two tankers and provide a fit-for-purpose base of operations for the brigade, as well as an important hub for the community,” Ms Cooke said as she did the honours and handed over the keys to the new vehicles.
The new fleet includes a Category 6 fire truck and Category 17 prime mover to the Junee brigade and a Category 1 tanker to the Old Junee brigade.
The impressive Mack prime mover, Riverina Bulkwater Bravo, is an important addition to help transport the Category 13 bulk-water trailers at Junee.
With a capacity of 30,000 litres, Riverina Bulkwater trailers are a vital resource to the Riverina zone and adjoining fire districts, and the new rig has more than enough grunt to move the water to where it is needed most.
The Riverina Bulkwater Bravo will move 30,000-litre water trailers to where they are needed most. Photo: Supplied.
“These firefighting appliances are worth a combined $1 million but to our RFS members, they are a priceless resource that will greatly assist them in protecting the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The prime mover is a particularly impressive addition to the Junee brigade and I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of the public in helping fund the asset through the RFS and Brigades Donations Fund.”
Seventeen National Emergency Medals were presented to members from Bethungra, Illabo, Junee and Wantabadgery brigades in recognition of their efforts during the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20 and years of service to the local community.
The Illabo Rural Fire Brigade station was officially opened. Photo: Supplied.
Commissioner Rogers said the National Emergency Medal recognised sustained or significant service during nationally significant emergencies in Australia.
“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting communities across the state, especially during that devastating season,” he said.
“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Riverina.
“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”
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