21/07/05
Thanks to the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) community safety has been significantly boosted in Midland and the surrounding Hills region with today's official opening of the new $1.4million fire station.
The state-of-the-art facility, which has been funded through the ESL and the State Government, will house 18 career firefighters on a 24/7 rotational basis, in addition to a medium pumper and light tanker.
"The Midland area is one of the fastest growing regions in the State and this new $1.4million fire station will further enhance the way firefighters can protect local communities throughout the area," Mrs Roberts said.
"Our Government is committed to protecting our unique lifestyle and in making communities safe by providing modern facilities and the latest equipment to assist our firefighters to do their job quickly and effectively."
Mrs Roberts said the opening of the new Midland station marked another significant achievement in the history of firefighters in Western Australia.
"Exactly 100 years ago - in 1905 - a group of Midland residents met and formed WA's first volunteer fire brigade and today we honour their commitment and dedication with the opening of this new building to continue their vision," she said.
The Minister commended the Midland firefighters for their hard work over the past 12 months in attending more than 750 incidents.
"These included some high profile and major incidents such as the Smorgon Steel and Carmel fireworks factory fires, serious bush fires in Woorooloo and Coulston Road and truck crashes and rollovers on local highways," Mrs Roberts said.
"These incidents demonstrate the diversity and high level skills that Midland firefighters possess and it is appropriate that they now have this fantastic facility as their new home."
Mrs Roberts said the new building replaced the previous fire station, which was built in 1968 and was at the end of its working life.
"The impressive new station stands as testament to the improved service delivery in the region which has been made possible because of the Emergency Services Levy," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
