20/7/04
Communities in Murdoch and surrounding suburbs are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art career fire station, which is being built with funding from the new Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts visited the site in Murdoch Drive today, on the eve of construction. The station is expected to be completed in January next year.
"Perth's southern suburbs are one of the fastest-growing regions in the State and this new $1.7million fire station will further enhance the way firefighters can protect local communities in this area," Mrs Roberts said.
"It will offer residents and industry a first-class, centrally located facility to replace the 31-year-old O'Connor Fire Station which is approaching the end of its operational life.
"Our Government is committed to making Western Australian communities safe and secure with the development of modern facilities and the latest equipment to assist our career firefighters to do their job quickly and effectively."
The Minister said funding from the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) would assist in the construction of the new station.
"The local community can be proud that their emergency services levy contribution is helping to improve fire services in the area," she said.
Mrs Roberts said O'Connor Fire and Rescue Service firefighters had been invited to contribute ideas for the new station.
"As the end users of the facility, O'Connor Fire Station staff were consulted and asked to provide input to plans for their new working environment," she said.
"Their valuable feedback was taken on board and incorporated into the final design, which will feature a new training room, study, watch room, office space, gymnasium and outdoor hardstand training area.
"An appliance room will house emergency operational vehicles including a medium pump appliance, light tanker and hazardous materials tender."
A maximum of 32 firefighters will work from the Murdoch Fire and Rescue Service fire station round the clock, on a four-shift rotation.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
