EMERGENCY services on the Liverpool Plains have started moving in to a brand new $4.5 million base.
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The Liverpool Range Rural Fire Services (RFS), covering crews in the Gunnedah, Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains council areas, will soon shift its headquarters, from Willow Tree, to a new fire control centre (FCC) in Quirindi.
“This new FCC replaces the old facility at Willow Tree which no longer meets practical and everyday working needs and has been substantially damaged by two significant storm events in recent years,” Liverpool Plains mayor Andrew Hope said.
The emergency services precinct will also be home to the Liverpool Plains Volunteer Rescue Association, the Braefield/Dury RFS and the State Emergency Service.
Cr Hope said the impetus for the project was getting the RFS away from its outdated digs in Willow Tree, which had “flooding issues”.
“Following initial discussions with the NSW RFS thorough investigations commenced in January 2015 and out of this process, the former Quirindi Saleyards site was established as the preferred candidate site,” he said.
“The FCC is not only important to Liverpool Plains Shire with its ability to provide combined emergency management which will enhance public safety but also as the control centre for the RFS area which covers Gunnedah and Upper Hunter local government areas as well.
“The precinct provides for combined emergency response and will also enhance the opportunities for combined emergency services training.”
Staff will begin moving into the new site from October 16.
The new emergency hub came together with contributions from three councils, as well as assistance from Warrumbungle council and the state government.