A new Bushfires NT Headquarters in Acacia Hills will officially open today to enable a rapid and well coordinated response to bushfire emergencies in the rural area.
The new $6.8 million Headquarters will bring together 35 Bushfires NT staff from Winnellie and Batchelor, 350 volunteers, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources weeds compliance officers to help the rural community to prepare, mitigate and manage bushfire risks and emergencies for decades to come.
Completed in time for the Top End bushfire season, this significant investment was jointly funded under the 'National Partnership Agreement in Risk Reduction' by the Northern Territory Government and Australian Government to reduce the risks of bushfire hazards.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, and Deputy Leader of the Nationals Mr David Littleproud, said the new facility is a much needed addition in the Territory.
"The Northern Territory's new Bushfires NT Headquarters is an important addition to the community and to the National Partnership Agreement in Risk Reduction," Mr Littleproud said.
"This is a great piece of infrastructure that will ensure Bushfires NT staff and volunteers are able to quickly and efficiently respond to fires around the Top End. Bushfire NT volunteers deserve the best and that's what they've got."
The new facility includes:
- An Incident Control Room
- A radio operations room
- Modern office accommodation
- Facilities to provide volunteer training
- Large workshop
- Appliance bay
- Vehicle wash-down bay
- Quick fill capability for firefighting vehicles
- Operational and support areas
- Infrastructure and service connections for future expansion
- Solar panels and sectioned air-conditioning to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions
Northern Territory Government Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Ms Eva Lawler said the new headquarters are not only supporting ongoing Territory jobs but also making the rural area safer.
"The Territory Labor Government is supporting jobs, local industries and economic activity through a variety of construction projects across the Territory, this is one of many job-creating projects," Ms Lawler said.
"In order for us to effectively manage bushfires across the Territory our Bushfires NT staff and volunteers need the right facilities to keep our community safe."
"Our Bushfires NT staff and volunteers do an amazing job protecting our community and I am proud the new Headquarters will make it easier for them to protect our community," she said.
