$2.1 million emergency services boost for Sydney's fire protection
Published: 6th February 2010
Four new $528,000 fire engines will be delivered to NSW Fire Brigades' fire stations across Sydney's CBD, Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said today.Mr Whan said the new fire engines would boost fire and emergency protection for residents and businesses in Woollahra, Redfern, Glebe, Newtown and across the Sydney CBD.
"These $528,000 fire engines feature pumps that supply up to 4000 litres of water per minute for fire fighting operations and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bush fires.
"The engines are also equipped with a GPS unit and an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations and improve public safety."
Mr Whan said the NSW Government was taking action to provide firefighters with modern and safe vehicles for their vital work to protect the people of NSW from fires and other emergencies.
"Communities around the State are benefiting from our increased spending on emergency services, and these new fire engines will boost the Fire Brigades’ fleet to more than 655 fire fighting vehicles."
Mr Whan said the new fire engines were part of the largest roll-out of new and upgraded fire engines in the Brigades' history.
"Since 1995, the Government has allocated more than $243 million to provide almost 550 new and refurbished fire engines for communities around the State," he said.
"The State Government's record $903 million 2009/10 emergency services budget includes $589 million for the NSWFB, including $18 million to continue updating its fleet."
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new fire engines would help firefighters do their jobs more safely and effectively.
"Fleet upgrades such as these ensure our frontline firefighters are backed by the best equipment and latest technology to maintain a first class level of service to the community."