Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has officially unveiled major upgrades to Coraki Fire Station, which became a place of refuge for locals during the devastating floods earlier this year.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the $975,000 project is the station’s biggest revamp since it first opened its doors nearly 100 years ago.
“This fire station became such an important sanctuary for the Coraki community during the floods, which is why this upgrade is going to help better protect and support the region during future natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“Included in the revamp is a new dual engine bay, expanded training spaces, a fitness room and enhanced shower and toilet facilities.
“I’m really pleased that the character of the original heritage-listed building can be preserved while undergoing a significant $975,000 transformation.”
The FRNSW crews from Coraki regularly offer back-up support to the Rural Fire Service and NSW Ambulance in Bora Ridge, Bungawalbin, Codrington, Dungarubba, Kilgin, Ruthven, Swan Bay, Tucki Tucki, Tuckurimba and Woodburn.
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis welcomed the Coraki Fire Station upgrade after the station played a crucial role in supporting people who were displaced during the floods.
“Coraki remained cut off by floodwaters for four days, with approximately half of the entire township inundated,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Coraki Fire Station is positioned at one of the highest points in town and offered safe shelter, food storage and other critical support to hundreds of locals needing help.
“This project really couldn’t have come at a better time, with the station ready and able to help the community when it needed it most.”
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler said the station’s upgrade will strengthen its response to fires, car crashes, rescues and a range of other emergencies.
“These upgrades mean our on-call firefighters will have fit-for-purpose facilities that give them access to the best possible education, training and resources,” Deputy Commissioner Stiffler said.