The Minns Labor Government has secured land for a new fire station in Rhodes, marking a major milestone for emergency services in Sydney's inner west.
A new state-of-the-art Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) facility is currently being designed and will be larger in size with the potential to house permanent and on-call firefighters, improving responses for the local area.
The purchase of the block of land on Oulton Avenue, Rhodes - opposite a major shopping centre off Homebush Bay Drive - allows more strategically placed capabilities for the area.
The site is located close to residential areas and transport routes to support the growing area. The current Rhodes Fire Station, on Concord Road, was established in 1921 and is no longer fit for purpose.
Consultation is underway with local fire crews on the design of the new Rhodes Fire Station which will provide modern facilities for male and female firefighters. Feedback from crews will inform how services are delivered from the new station to best serve the growing area and support the wider FRNSW network.
Rhodes and the surrounding areas are growing rapidly, and like areas in western Sydney, the former Government failed to adequately prepare for their growth. The purchase of the site is part of the NSW Government's commitment to rebuild essential services and help communities prepare for emergencies.
This year the Government will invest a further $98.7 million to keep people safe and better serve the community with upgraded fire stations and new fleet.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its long-term plan to rebuild our essential services by investing in physical infrastructure and in the frontline workers who deliver the services the people of NSW need.
The Government continues to upgrade and build new fire stations across NSW, including new stations at Broken Hill, Byron Bay, Dungog, Charlestown, Cessnock, Goonellabah, Lithgow and Wentworthville as well as a new station at Badgerys Creek to service the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
"We are rebuilding frontline emergency services for the long term, so they are in a stronger and more sustainable position to protect the people of NSW through upgraded fire stations and new fire trucks.
"We are also preparing for population growth across Sydney, including in areas like Rhodes, to ensure fire services are best placed to cater for growing needs.
"This is about equipping our firefighters to better protect our growing communities by giving our firefighters new facilities and ensuring communities are protected for generations to come.
"This investment is part of our broader commitment to strengthen frontline emergency services right across NSW, so our communities can rely on emergency response when it matters most."
Quotes attributable to Donna Davis State Member for Parramatta:
"This investment in our essential services will help keep growing communities safe at a time when firefighting is becoming more complex and challenging with increased high rise living in suburbs like Wentworth Point.
"I welcome the purchase of land for a new fire station at Rhodes alongside upgrades at Parramatta Fire Station where we are delivering improved facilities to better support our community."
Quotes attributable to Sally Sitou Federal Member for Reid:
"I know how important this new fire station will be for my community and to see the Rhodes fire station relocated after more than 100 years serving the community is a major milestone and recognition of this important part of Sydney.
"I look forward to seeing the plans unfold, but importantly this land acquisition shows that the future of fire services in the area are being secured."
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell:
"We are starting the consultation process with key stakeholders, including our firefighters and the Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU), to consider the design features of the new Rhodes Fire Station.
"We want to ensure they'll be operating in a safer station, built for the modern needs of firefighters and the community, with their input and insights."
