Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has continued his campaign to have the Werris Creek and Manilla Fire and Rescue Stations upgraded following his meeting with Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Fire and Rescue NSW.
The on-call fire stations in Manilla and Werris Creek do not currently have separate amenities for men and women. Both have current serving female fire fighters.
Mr Anderson said the Manilla and Werris Creek Stations desperately require an upgrade to install separate changerooms to attract and retain more firefighters, and that he was “demanding” the government use funds flagged for the upgrades to include facilities for women to upgrade the stations.
“Both Manilla and Werris Creek Stations are an important part of our communities and it’s to bring them up to modern standards to ensure our firefighters are best resourced to serve the community,” Mr Anderson said.
“These stations were built decades ago, and they need to be upgraded to meet modern workforce needs and standards.
“This will ensure the growing cohort of female firefighters have their own facilities and amenities to ensure they feel safe and comfortable in the workplace.
However, the upgrade Mr Anderson wants is more than just adding a bathroom.
“This includes ensuring the stations are fit out with the very best in modern equipment, including appropriate decontamination facilities, PPE storage spaces, appliance bays, engine bays, and changerooms and bathrooms.
“Fire trucks are a lot bigger than they were 90 years ago, and the very best in modern tankers only just squeeze through the door, barely leaving enough room for additional equipment.
A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW said upgrades are considered on a case-by-case basis.
“FRNSW’s ongoing capital works program provides continual investment for maintenance work, renovations, and construction of new stations in accordance with ‘fit for purpose’ principles of clean areas, diversity and inclusion, distribution of female firefighters, ability to accommodate modern fleet and equipment, and Work Health and Safety standards.”
“We are continually reviewing fire stations to ensure they are prioritised for upgrades or renewals to meet service delivery obligations and strategic priorities, these stations will be considered within the broader upgrade programs.”
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