Council Delivers Upgrades for RFS Stations Ahead of Bushfire Season

Published on 13 October 2023

Cessnock City Council has been busy delivering upgrades to 11 Rural Fire Service (RFS) stations across the Cessnock Local Government Area ahead of bushfire season.

Council is in the final stages of delivering $1 million worth of upgrades to the Cessnock (Central), Neath, Kearsley, Laguna, Bucketty, Benwerrin, Quorrobolong, Pokolbin, Mulbring and Greta RFS stations.

Separately, Council has also commenced construction on a brand new $930,000 Millfield Fire Station at Paxton Park funded via NSW RFS with contributions from Council.

Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said this is welcome news for local RFS personnel as many of the stations required upgrades to better support local volunteers and the work they do in protecting our community.

"The role the RFS plays in our community is absolutely critical. We want to support them in any way we can as they are the first to help us in a crisis," said Clr Suvaal.

"The work delivered by our hard-working Council teams means more capacity for larger fire trucks and volunteers, improved functionality of briefing/training facilities and a safer facility for community volunteers."

Works completed over the past 12 months includes installation or replacement of air conditioning at various locations, construction of new amenities including meeting rooms, kitchens and bathrooms at various locations, building extensions, lighting upgrades, installation of new generators, pathways, internal and external painting and roller door replacements.

The upgrades to local RFS stations was made possible thanks to funding received from the NSW Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.