Work has commenced on upgrades to the heritage-listed Cootamundra Fire Station to modernise the building and ensure it is fit for purpose, while preserving its historical value, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.
Ms Cooke said the project represented a balance between conserving the town’s heritage while safeguarding the functionality of an essential piece of community infrastructure.
“The fire station was built in 1913 and has served the local community well for more than one hundred years,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s a beautiful building and is a wonderful reminder of days gone by, and while it is important to preserve our history, it’s equally important that the fire station meets modern standards, and the renovations that are now underway will ensure it is a state-of-the-art facility, with the capabilities to deal with the challenges of today,” she said.
Ms Cooke said the work is due for completion in December this year, emphasising that the station will remain operational throughout the build.
“The $2.5 million upgrades will include a new engine bay for the truck to park in, enabling trucks to drive through the station, eliminating the need to reverse in off the road. There will be a new office, along with new change rooms and amenities, which will ensure brigade members have the facilities they need as they carry out their vital work,” Ms Cooke said.
“Careful attention will be paid to preserving the station’s heritage features, such as its distinctive facade and other architectural elements.
“The work our first-responders do should never be taken for granted, and I am committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services personnel have the very best facilities to enable them to keep communities safer and stronger when future hazards emerge.
“I’m pleased that Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib recognises this, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to secure vital investments in our regionally-based emergency services,” she said.
Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke at the Cootamundra Fire Station with members of the local brigade.
