As budget figures rolled out across the state, Eden Fire and Rescue have pinned down the much needed amount of $650,000 to complete the new station.
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The 1970s built station has been awaiting an upgrade after failing to meet the needs of a modern fire station.
To get the project up off the ground the Eden Magnet reported in 2017, a parcel of industrial land at 44 Hopkins St, Eden was purchased for $250,000 that was allocated in the 2016-17 budget.
The project was estimated to cost more than $1million and received a further $120,000 in the 2017-18 budget.
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Duty Commander Alan Gerrard is looking forward to see the the new space completed with the 2018-19 budget allocation of $650,000 which will ultimately improve operations at Eden.
The twin engine bay station plans have a drive through design and training room facilities.
Mr Gerrard said Eden Fire and Rescue will continue to further their capabilities responding to Hazmat incidents in the port.
“Marine jurisdiction has authority over hazmat incidents out of the Eden harbour, the Eden station is equipped to back them up.
“We have got hazmat capability, with the new station in the future we are looking at increasing our capability as a support agency.”
As of May Zlatko Nemec was welcomed back as the station’s captain. Mr Gerrard said four new recruits are needed.
“We could take four tomorrow if they turned up,” he said.
If you are interested in applying for a position as a firefighter visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au, or get in touch with the station directly.
There is also believed to be money in the state government budget for promised refurbishment work at Pambula Hospital.
Bega MP Andrew Constance confirmed that the Health Minister would be “visiting Pambula Hospital within six weeks to assess a proposed refurbishment of the hospital, with costings currently being finalised”.
President of Save Our Hospital Inc Sharon Tapscott has been calling for the funds for some time and said she was absolutely delighted to hear there would be movement on the project.
“The community several years ago identified the need to invest at least $5million of new monies as stage two of a multistage refurbishment program for Pambula Hospital. The Local Health District was part of those investigations,” Ms Tapscott said only last week.
The $1.6million stage one works started in April and include an upgrade to reception and the Assessment Treatment and Care Centre.
