2/11/05
Community safety has taken a leap forward in the Kwinana region with today's opening of the new $1.5million Hope Valley fire station, which was built with funding from the Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts said the state-of-the-art fire headquarters was strategically located to service one of Western Australia's fastest growing areas.
"Kwinana is one of WA's most dynamic, modern industrial areas, which includes ecologically important wetland and bushland regions in its expanding community environment," she said.
"The Growth of the Kwinana industrial strip and rapid development of urban regions and infrastructure along the southern corridor over the past few years has contributed to the need for a 24 hour career staffed Fire and Rescue Service facility.
"The new building has been designed to meet future planning requirements and is positioned to ensure community safety is maintained.
"Operating from their new station in Armstrong Road, Hope Valley firefighters will be on hand to deal with a full range of emergencies including hazardous materials incidents, structure and bush fires and road crash rescues."
Mrs Roberts paid special tribute to the Kwinana Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) which had serviced the area to date.
"I am pleased to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the Kwinana Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters, who were one of the busiest brigades in the State," she said.
"I wish them success in their continuing role supplementing Hope Valley career firefighters in providing services to the region's industrial and residential community."
Local member Fran Logan said funding for the new station had been made possible through FESA's capital works investment program and the Emergency Services Levy.
"This brand new community resource represents further evidence of our Government's commitment to providing the very best firefighting resources and services for Western Australia," he said.
"It is also important to recognise that the local community has, through their ESL, directly contributed to the establishment of the Hope Valley fire station."
Mrs Roberts said the station was designed by Ian Hooke and Brad More of Smith & Hooke Architects, and was built by Lakis Constructions.
The station features firefighter dormitories with en-suite facilities, an on-site training room, gymnasium, kitchen-dining area, study, duty room and office.
Outdoor areas comprise an appliance room for the station's two operational vehicles and servicing and storage areas for equipment.
The station is permanently crewed round the clock on a four-shift rotational basis, with each shift comprising one station officer and three firefighters.
Including relief staff, Hope Valley will cater to a total of 18 career firefighters.
Minister's office - 9213 6600
