AFTER more than six years of planning, the new Johns River Rural Fire Station is ready for action – just in time for Summer.
The $1.6 million purpose-built facility was officially opened on 9 October by RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie AFSM and special guests including Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer and Mid Coast Council Mayor Claire Pontin.
Located on the same site, the station has two vehicle bays, a dedicated office, a multi-purpose meeting and training room, and accessible amenities.
Dep. Comm. McKechnie said the opening marked a significant moment in the history of the brigade and the community.
“This station has been designed with state-of-the-art technology and firefighter health and safety in mind, replacing the existing weathered facility, which is no longer fit-for-purpose.
“The million-dollar plus investment includes brigade fundraising efforts, as well as funding through the Bush Fire Local Economic Relief Fund (BLERF) and the Rural Fire Fighting Fund.”
Mr Dwyer said the new station offered plenty of room for the 20 volunteers who support the local community.
“Johns River may be a small village, but it deserves the same level of commitment when it comes to emergency services,” he said.
Brigade Captain Chris Bawn thanked the community for its patience during construction.
“It has been a long wait, but it’s worth it,” he said.
“The new station was carefully designed to RFS specification and built for ‘tomorrow’ and not today, with room for additional resources.
“[It] can also be used to assist in an emergency, with showers and toilets available to the community during a crisis, as a Resilience Hub.”
Mr Bawn said he appreciates all the assistance received from the RFS, Mid Coast Council and contractors, Edge Construction, during the project’s lifecycle.
By Sue STEPHENSON