$1.48 million Rural Fire Service shed proposed for Fitzroy Falls

A proposal to turn a vacant block of land in the Southern Highlands into a $1.48 million firefighting and training base for the Rural Fire Service can be revealed.

Although it might be years in the making, the Southern Highlands Rural Fire Service is seeking approval to build a new $1.48 million fire shed in Fitzroy Falls.

The brigade plans to turn an unused area at the corner of Myra Vale Rd and Nowra Rd into a new rural fire station capable of accommodating two fire trucks. According to the development application, the site would be designed to allow for the circulation of fire trucks and would include an engine bay, multipurpose space, change rooms and laundry.

The fire shed would be run by a volunteer brigade of approximately 10 people, who would use the fire shed for training on evenings and some weekends.

During emergency events, the shed would accommodate a higher population of firefighters and could be used as a base for the region.

The proposed site for a new $1.48 million Rural Fire Service shed is currently unused. Picture: Harris Environmental

Southern Highlands Rural Fire Services Superintendent Martin Surrey said the new Fitzroy Falls shed would replace the current fire station at Avoca, which is no longer fit for purpose. He said a number of the current brigade live closer to Fitzroy Falls so the new location would make resourcing more efficient.

“It also centralises more for that brigade to assist down the mountain at Kangaroo Valley which is where a lot of the calls come from,” he said.

“This would be in a more prominent position and a better place to be – and a better place for our people to train, more fitting to what they deserve.”

According to the development application lodged with council, the fire shed would be the perfect neighbour – mostly quiet, far enough away not to infringe on neighbours, barely visible to passers-by, and with self-contained parking.

The new fire shed would be located right next to the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, currently used for recreational purposes. Picture: Sixmaps

An emergency services facility for the prevention and management of bushfires would greatly benefit the local community, he said.

“Everything we do is setting ourselves up for the future and the future protection of our local communities,” Supt Surrey said.

Although the site is situated next to the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir in a sensitive water zone, the fire shed would direct water flow away from the protected water with an existing concrete drain. Supt Surrey confirmed the land was being leased to the council by WaterNSW in a commendable “whole-of-government approach”.

The flora and fauna report reveals there are no threatened ecological communities or species on the land, which Supt Surrey said was in keeping with the Rural Fire Service policy of a “minimal footprint”.

However, Supt Surrey warned residents shouldn’t expect to see the new fire station too soon. He said it might take a couple of years to secure the funding to build the estimated $1.48 million station in Fitzroy Falls.

“I’m confident we’ll have it within the next couple of years,” he said.

A two-way driveway from Myra Rd would provide access to the new Fitzroy Falls fire station. Picture: Webber Architects

“It’s all about funding and where we fit into the line-up of projects that get funded by the Rural Firefighting Fund.”

Supt Surrey has already submitted the project for funding in the 2021/22 financial year, but he said the process could be prolonged.

“It’s about the best use of public funds. We can get the best bang for buck to build the most appropriate (structure),” he said.

Despite the potentially long wait, Supt Surrey said the Southern Highlands team was looking forward to the station’s construction.