New Dunsborough fire station recognises region's growth

20/10/00
Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince tomorrow will open the latest of Western Australia's purpose-built collocated fire stations in Dunsborough.
The new station was built in line with the gazettal of Dunsborough as a new separate Western Australian fire district in August and will accommodate the newly formed Dunsborough Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service alongside the Dunsborough Volunteer Bush Fire Service.
Mr Prince said Dunsborough had experienced extraordinary changes and growth in recent years - an indication of a dynamic and thriving community.
"It is in acknowledgment of the growing needs of this community that the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and the Shire of Busselton have developed this new facility," he said.
"The Dunsborough Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade has done an exceptional job protecting this community in the past and from now on their fellow firefighters in the Dunsborough Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service will be there to support them.
"Together these two brigades will demonstrate how teamwork can pay dividends for community safety."
Mr Prince said the new fire station was situated close to other emergency services in the town and would result in an even better response to emergencies than existed in the past.
The new facility was the result of many months of hard work by the Busselton Shire, FESA staff and most importantly Dunsborough Bush Fire Brigade and Busselton Fire and Rescue Service volunteers.
"Everyone involved in developing this new facility should be proud of their efforts as it will stand as a testament to the contribution they have made to continually improving community safety in this region," the Minister said.
The new fire station, like other similar facilities throughout the State, will provide volunteer firefighters with excellent training and meeting facilities, as well as the necessary on-going resources to continue to do their jobs well.
"The collocation of these services ensures a more efficient and effective use of emergency service resources and promotes a closer working relationship between emergency services across the board," Mr Prince said.
At the station opening the Minister will present the South-West Region with three new satellite telephone units, which will work to improve communications in emergencies that occur in areas where reception for conventional communications is sporadic.
The new phones are for use by the Margaret River, Boyup Brook and Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Brigades and will enable them to remain in touch with the FESA emergency communications centre at all times.
"This is one more measure we are taking to ensure our response to emergencies in this region is the best it can be,"
Mr Prince said.
"In all, 47 of these satellite telephones are being provided to Fire and Rescue Service volunteer brigades as part of the Government's special grant to mark the International Year of Volunteers in 2001."
As part of the same initiative, $400,000 worth of new protective clothing is being provided for volunteer bush fire brigades throughout the State. Half this project is being funded by the Government and half by local governments.
Media contacts:
Caroline Lacy on 9220 5000
Fire and Emergency Services Authority: Jo Ferrie on 9323 9343