South West Slopes Fire Control Centre officially opened

The new NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) South West Slopes Fire Control Centre (FCC) built at Harden has been officially opened.

The $6.1 million purpose built Centre features state-of-the-art facilities, with dedicated operations and planning rooms with a knowledge wall for situational awareness, multiple training rooms, outdoor catering facilities for both volunteers and staff, an administrative area and dedicated storage facilities for support resources.

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Peter McKechnie, said the new FCC was welcomed by the whole community as well as around 2700 volunteers within the NSW RFS Brigades in the South West Slopes. “While the old council managed FCC is still functional as a basic administration facility, it is over 50 years old and lacks greatly as a modern emergency control facility,” Acting Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new FCC was built to provide the South West Slopes District with a modern fit for purpose building to deal with complex and large emergency events. “While the previous FCC has served the District well, I am confident this new state-of-the-art facility will prove itself to be an invaluable tool in managing fires in the South West Slopes and will be welcomed by the 30,000 residents who live within the District,” Mr Elliott said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it is crucial RFS volunteers have the best possible facilities. “The new facility has the technology, space and functionality for up to 50 people to work together to lead and support emergency events, increase the level of safety and keep the community informed,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our volunteers go above and beyond for their communities. I am so proud they have this facility to support their crucial work.”

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• Steph Cooke