24/3/03
Fire authorities will be able to provide a more effective service in Perth's northern suburbs with the development of a new $800,000 fire station.
Attending the State Cabinet meeting in Joodalup today, Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts announced that the transfer of land had been finalised for the construction of a new fire station at Duncraig.
"The new station will assist the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) to better service the fast developing northern suburbs of Perth," Mrs Roberts said.
"Our Government is committed to making our communities safe and secure with the development of modern facilities and the latest equipment to assist our professional firefighters to do their job quickly and effectively."
The Minister said the fire station had been a long time coming and it would be located on a 3,000sq.m section of Lilburne Reserve.
"The land has been excised from Crown Land to allow this much needed facility to go ahead," she said.
Construction of the new station is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The 18 firefighters will service a population of 162,000, covering 40 suburbs including Duncraig, Padbury, Sorrento, Hillarys, Kingsley, Warwick and Greenwood.
Local MLA Margaret Quirk and local MLC Graham Giffard both welcomed the decision that would improve response times by firefighters in attending a fire emergency in the area.
"This area is largely serviced by the Balcatta Fire Station, which is reaching the end of its working life," Ms Quirk said.
"This is a high growth area in terms of population and it is imperative that we have a modern fire facility to protect and safeguard residents in times of a fire emergency."
Mr Giffard, who was involved in the community consultation process, said while the Lilburne Reserve was of environmental value, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, FESA and the City of Joondalup had consulted widely with residents and it was chosen as the most appropriate site.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
