The new fire station for the Kwinana South Volunteer Bushfire Brigade was officially opened today in Wellard, handed over from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Mayor Carol Adams said the station would serve the brigade and the community for years to come.
The $1.9 million building was funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services through the Emergency Services Levy ($1.51 million) and the Australian Government ($400,000) through a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant.
“The new facility is a significant improvement for our volunteers who are no doubt keen to be using it after operating from a member’s property for the past 18 months,” Mayor Adams said.
“It offers improved changing facilities, amenities, PPE washroom, and standalone offices and training room.
“The Department also funded an upgraded fire-fighting appliance of 18 years to a 3000L four-wheel-drive appliance with improved welfare, lighting and crew protection features specialising in bushfires and external structure fire-fighting,” she said.
The two local bushfire brigades – Mandogalup and Kwinana South – collectively have 15 new members who joined recently through a targeted recruitment drive, undertaking the new City onboarding and recruit training program in preparation for 2023/2024 bushfire season ahead.
“It is encouraging to see more people put their hands up to protect our community, but the impact is felt far beyond our Council boundary,” Mayor Adams said.
“Kwinana South alone has had 55 call outs in the past year, with 37 of these being outside the City’s bounds.
“This station is therefore a vital part of the State’s emergency services, joining together with other brigades to respond to fire and emergencies across the region.
“The City of Kwinana continues to support the Mandogalup and Kwinana South Bushfire Brigades and I am very pleased to be part of the official opening of this facility,” she said.
The City has two new officers making up the City’s Emergency Management Team, establishing a Bushfire Enhancement Group in March to introduce new corporate training due to changes in the State Work Health and Safety Legislation.
The Emergency Management Team has also coordinated significant bushfire mitigation works with burning conducted by the local volunteer brigades and the Kwinana Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.