A new Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fire Control Centre and Area Command office has been officially opened today, along with four new fire trucks handed over to Brigades, in a $10.8 million boost to Tamworth’s firefighting capability.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke joined Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers and Brigade members at the $9.9 million Fire Control Centre and Area Command office.

“This purpose-built facility will serve as a one-stop-shop for our firefighters, giving them greater support and strengthening the firefighting response in Tamworth and surrounding areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“Work began on this facility in June 2021 and I’m delighted it’s now ready to begin operations and give our wonderful RFS volunteers the support needed to keep communities safe.”

The Fire Control Centre and Area Command office includes nine bays for fire trucks, multiple training and meeting rooms, large operations and planning rooms, psychologist consultation rooms, fully-equipped indoor and outdoor kitchen facilities, expanded bathroom and change room facilities, and a 150,000 litre rainwater tank.

Mr Anderson said the facility has been constructed as part of the NSW Government’s response to the 2019-20 Bushfire Inquiry.

“This is providing our dedicated firefighters in and around Tamworth with the best resources and equipment to help them continue their important work to protect our communities,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’m also pleased to be handing over the keys to four new bush fire tankers, worth a combined $966,000, to the Bendemeer, Borah, Kingswood and Watsons Creek Brigades.

“These tankers are a major boost for our local Brigades, giving them the equipment they need to respond to a whole range of emergencies our community will inevitably face into the future.”

Commissioner Rogers said the new facility is located at 177 Country Road, Westdale and will house RFS staff and volunteers of the Tamworth District and the North Western Area Command, to support Brigades and mitigation crews.

“This new and improved Fire Control Centre is a significant boost for the entire RFS as we continue to respond to fires and other emergency incidents in the region,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“The four appliances being delivered today are worth a combined $966,000 but to our firefighters, they are a priceless resource so they can continue to protect their communities.”