A brand new $10 million facility is set to be built in Coffs Harbour, where one of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) helicopters will be located for rapid deployment across northern NSW.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh was joined by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers and RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart to announce the new area command facility and base for the helicopter in Coffs Harbour.
The NSW RFS has significantly expanded its aviation capability over recent years, now comprising of a 737 Large Air Tanker, two Citation fixed wing aircraft and six helicopters.
Mr Singh said three multi-purposed helicopters have been pre-positioned at Tumut, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour to allow for rapid deployment regionally.
“Not only will this help drive jobs and growth in our region, but it will ensure resources are well positioned to respond in the event of a fire or other emergency in northern NSW,” Mr Singh said.
“The new facility set to be built will house the RFS Area Command team, Planning and Environment team and hangar for the multi-purpose helicopter, providing local firefighters with state-of-the-art facilities and resources.”
Mr Elliott said the NSW Government is committed to the expansion of the RFS aviation capacity, including its resources and training.
“The RFS aviation capability has grown over recent years and is now the biggest firefighting aviation fleet in the country,” he said.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said that the strategic placement of the RFS aviation fleet in three regional locations is particularly important. Coffs Harbour is a significant location for the RFS, with over 50 staff employed in various roles.
“These aircraft will provide additional reassurance for regional NSW communities. It will not only support the NSW RFS during firefighting operations, but also provide other regional emergency services with real time high definition video streams and assist in search and rescue missions,” Mr Rogers said.
