UPDATE: Major refurbishments are underway at the Umina Fire Station, enhancing facilities for the region’s firefighters. Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford, and Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services, confirmed the upgrades during a visit to the station, emphasizing immediate improvements for the 36 firefighters stationed there.
The refurbishment will introduce designated protection zones as part of Fire & Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) Clean Fire Station Program. These zones will significantly reduce exposure to potentially contaminated materials brought in from emergency scenes. The upgrades are set to be completed by December 2023.
Key enhancements will include new rest areas, separation of work and living spaces, upgraded storage facilities, and a new gym designed to support firefighter health and wellbeing. Additionally, renovated toilet and shower facilities, as well as male and female locker rooms, will create a safer, cleaner environment for staff.
Meanwhile, crews at Gosford will be welcoming a new $900,000 Rescue Pumper truck, specifically designed in consultation with local firefighters. This truck will dramatically enhance rescue capabilities and improve operational response times by providing easier access to essential tools.
The NSW Government is making a significant investment of $17 million over the next two years for the renewal of the state’s firefighting fleet. This funding will deliver over 15 new fire trucks to replace aging vehicles, marking a critical step in improving emergency response across the region. This initiative is part of a broader $98.7 million capital program aimed at upgrading fire stations and equipment.
Tesch highlighted the importance of these upgrades, stating, “As the region’s population grows, it is essential that the capacity of emergency services expands.” She added that the refurbishments at Umina are “significant” and will be welcomed by Central Coast communities, who rely on local firefighters for safety.
Dib also stressed the importance of modernizing facilities, saying, “The refurbishment at Umina will align the station with modern standards and ensure a safe, clean work environment for firefighters.”
FRNSW Acting Commissioner Paul McGuiggan confirmed that firefighter input was integral to ensuring that the facilities and new equipment meet their operational needs. “These upgrades will ensure we’re prepared for anything here on the Central Coast,” he stated.
In a related note, FRNSW Acting Area Commander Matthew Waldon mentioned that Umina Fire Station was last upgraded in 2001, when it was converted from an indoor sports center. The latest renovations signify a much-needed modernization for the station, reflecting the NSW Government’s commitment to enhancing firefighting capabilities in the region.
As these developments unfold, the local community can expect not only improved emergency response times but also a renewed focus on the wellbeing of the firefighters dedicated to protecting them.
Stay tuned for more updates as the refurbishment progresses and additional resources are rolled out across the Central Coast.
