Minister opens Baulkham Hills Fire Station
Published: 21st July 2011
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, has today officially opened the new $2.4 million state-of-the-art fire station in Baulkham Hills.
Minister Gallacher said the new station, on the corner of Seven Hills and Baulkham Hills Roads, will increase community protection in one of Sydney's biggest growth areas.
"Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has been progressively upgrading, relocating and building new fire stations serving the Hills District, Blacktown, Hawkesbury and Penrith areas to meet the needs of the region’s growing population," Minister Gallacher said.
"The new Baulkham Hills Fire Station is FRNSW's latest investment in the protection of residents and businesses in the Hills District and Sydney's north west."
The station boasts two fire engine bays, office and training areas, a fire pole from the top floor, providing quick response during emergencies. It also features a gym, water tanks which will harvest rainwater for use in toilets, and solar panels for hot water supply and general power use.
FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the station will be staffed by 20 full-time fire and rescue officers working on four shifts around the clock. The crews were relocated from the old Northmead Fire Station which has now closed.
"This state-of-the-art station is a wonderful asset for the community, improving response times in the Baulkham Hills and Bella Vista areas," Commissioner Mullins said.
"Firefighting in this region has certainly come a long way since a hand-drawn Hose Cart and 300 feet of hose were given to two volunteer firefighters in Northmead 90 years ago this week."
Newly elected Member for Baulkham Hills, David Elliott, welcomed the opening of the new fire station.
"This is a tremendous boost for the Hills District, delivering valuable resources that will protect lives and property in the area," Mr Elliott said.
The original fire bell that had been used to call firefighters to duty at the old Northmead station is on prominent display in the new station.
Caption: Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Councillor Mike Thomas; FRNSW Commissioner, Greg Mullins; and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher officially open the new $2.4 million state-of-the-art fire station in Baulkham Hills.