HYMAN Park is being eyed-off as the potential home for the new $5 million West Tamworth fire station.
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Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has been in talks with Tamworth Regional Council to find a suitable site for the new station, which is due to be completed in 2020.
Superintendent Tom Cooper says the new site would need to be well-positioned to cater for the city’s requirements and growth for the next 50 years and sync-up with the Commissioner Paul Baxter’s mantra of firies helping “anyone, anywhere, anytime”.
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Superintendent Cooper said the Hyman Park site “would be ideal” with quick access to Robert St, Scott Rd, Goonoo Goonoo Rd and Calala Ln.
While it’s one of three sites FRNSW is investigating for its new home, councillors will vote on a move to rezone the land at their Tuesday night meeting to pave the way for development.
Council has received interest in the park, with the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service also looking to build a new $4.5 million health facility on the land.
“At this stage co-locating the two facilities on the site appears to be a viable option,” the report to be considered by council said.
“Both of the proposals are built for purpose ‘state of the art’ facilities that would involve significant investment in the construction of the facilities ($10 million approximately) and ongoing employment potential.
“It should be noted that neither of these proposals have progressed past concept stage and are only possible future uses.”
Superintendent Cooper said the new station, wherever it’s built, will become the new zone office for the region and home to permanent firefighters and retained crew.
He said the site would have to be “centrally located” with an eye on where new housing developments would be springing-up on the edges of the city.
The move to rezone the park from community to operational land will need to be approved by the NSW Planning Minister.
A public hearing will also be required as part of the consultation because the land is council-owned.