A new $1.7 million volunteer fire station, which has the capacity to act as an incident control centre during major operations, has been officially opened in Bedfordale.
Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby today joined Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM and City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield to open the station, which will enhance training opportunities for the Bedfordale Bush Fire Brigade as it prepares for the next bushfire season.
Located on Admiral Road, the new station features four vehicle bays and improved training and communications facilities, and has been future-proofed to cater for growing personnel numbers and additional vehicles.
The facility is substantially larger than the brigade's former headquarters of more than 35 years and features water tanks funded by the State Government's WA Recovery Plan.
Its modern amenities and expanded outdoor areas will also enable the brigade to host a range of events for the wider community.
The State Government supported the construction of the facility with a $372,000 Emergency Services Levy grant and $51,000 for water tanks as part of the WA Recovery Plan, while the City of Armadale contributed $1.2 million and the brigade's volunteers fundraised more than $54,000.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"Today marks a significant milestone for the Bedfordale Bush Fire Brigade and one that recognises the incredible work volunteer firefighters do for Western Australia.
"It is vital our emergency services volunteers have facilities that enable them to train, build and maintain skills as they respond to emergency incidents that could potentially threaten lives and property.
"Through the Emergency Services Levy, the Government is investing in our volunteer brigades, giving them the equipment and infrastructure required to help keep communities safe."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"This station not only provides improved amenities and training facilities for local firefighters, but importantly, it has the capacity to act as an incident control centre during major operations.
"I have no doubt the new Bedfordale station will be a wonderful asset to this brigade and the community now and into the future."
