Construction of the $1.3 million Menai Bush Fire Station at Barden Ridge officially started today with the first sod turned in a ceremony led by Menai MP Melanie Gibbons.
Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns said the current Menai Bush Fire Station at Menai will continue to operate until the new station at Barden Ridge is completed in mid 2015.
The new station is larger and in an area that will allow NSW Rural Fire Service personnel and volunteers to respond faster to bush fire and other events.
The larger garage can house two fire tankers, a support vehicle and an historic fire fighting vehicle.
There will be a combined training, dining, function room; captain’s office, kitchen, hose drying yard and pole, solar power generation, stormwater harvesting, and carparking.
“The new station represents a major investment and commitment by the council,’’ Cr Johns said.
It is the latest in the council’s Rural Fire Station Upgrade Program which has seen Waterfall, Maianbar, Illawong, Loftus, Engadine, Kurnell, Heathcote, Woronora and Bundeena bush fire stations all significantly upgraded or rebuilt.
There is more to come with Sandy Point identified for upgrade as well as extending Grays Point station, Cr Johns said.
NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley said new station will provide a tremendous boost to the Menai RFB members, as well as the local community.
It will replace the current station which was originally built in 1946 and extended in 1956.
Menai MP Melanie Gibbons said the local brigade has played a significant role in the community for more than 74 years.
“With the Sutherland Shire experiencing major bush fire in 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2002 I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work of the Menai brigade,” Ms Gibbons said.
See more in the Leader.
Are you looking forward to seeing the new station completed?
