The State Government will invest $2.2 million from the Emergency Services Levy in a state-of-the-art emergency services centre in Gingin that will provide a new facility for local volunteer firefighters.
Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby today turned the first sod on the centre, which will have the capacity to serve as an Incident Control Centre to manage major incidents in the region.
The new facility will be the future headquarters of the Gingin VFRS and Gingin South VBFB and have capacity for six vehicles, equipment rooms, multiple office spaces, a kitchen and multi-purpose training rooms.
A communications room, equipment for intelligence officers and logistics management space that can accommodate up to 72 personnel will operate from the centre during large-scale emergencies.
Gingin and its surrounds were impacted by the Red Gully bushfire in January, which burnt through approximately 10,000 hectares of bushland and threatened lives and homes.
Due for completion in April next year, the building is designed to accommodate any possible future expansion to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"This brand-new facility will bring Gingin volunteer firefighters together and encourage closer collaboration among emergency service agencies.
"Local firefighters were integral in combating the Red Gully bushfire in January - our volunteers go above and beyond and this building is part of our commitment to support their efforts.
"Importantly, this new facility will also have the capacity to be used as an Incident Control Centre to manage large incidents throughout the region.
"This $2.2 million investment is yet another example of the Emergency Services Levy funding infrastructure and services that protects lives, homes and our environment."
