Businesses across the Cowra region and Western NSW are set to benefit following the recent announcement on the construction of the new NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Western Area Command Facility.
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Businesses and tradespeople have been invited to tender for construction of the new facility which will be located at Cowra Airport and aims to provide RFS staff easy access to aerial fire fighting services.
An information session is set to be held on Monday, January 18 at the RFS Waugoola Brigade Station at Cowra Airport at 3:30pm, and local businesses and tradespeople are invited to meet with the NSW Government pre-approved tenderers to find out more about potential local involvement in the project.
At the time of the announcement Cowra mayor, Bill West, said the council was pleased to hear the western office would be located in Cowra.
"Cowra is well placed for strategic investment by the Rural Fire Service, particularly as a growing fire fighting aviation base for inland NSW and we have made a number of approaches over the years to the NSW Government outlining advantages of an enhanced RFS presence in Cowra," he said.
While the new facility will certainly help RFS response around the region, it is also set to provide a welcome boost to local industry.
Cowra Deputy Mayor, Judi Smith, said that it was a great opportunity for regional businesses.
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"I think it is fantastic that local businesses can be involved in the project," she said.
"We would love to see businesses and tradespeople from the Cowra Shire assisting with construction.
"Of course we would be more than happy to see other businesses from around the region involved and there is normally the need for someone with special skills, expertise or a larger capacity required."
The facility is set to ensure the Western Area Command can provide an even higher level of emergency service to the community.
NSW RFS Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Tim Butcher, said the announcement followed Cowra Shire Council's development consent in November.
"The Facility will include the Area Command headquarters, a new station for the Waugoola Brigade and an airbase to manage district air operations," he said.
"It is great to see the process underway and get one step closer to having this new facility for the local community and volunteer firefighters.
"Not only will the new Area Command facility house the team charged with supporting our Districts, the broader facility will also assist local firefighters on the ground and air to provide increased fire protection to the local community."
The successful tenderer is expected to be announced in March 2021 and the new facility fully operational by December 2021.
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