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The Hon. KAYEE GRIFFIN [7.14 p.m.]: During February I had the great pleasure of representing my parliamentary colleagues the honourable Sandra Nori, Minister for Sport and Recreation, and the honourable Tony Kelly, Minister for Emergency Services, at two events in Oxley. On Friday 10 February I attended the official handover of a fire tanker at the Bowraville fire station. Bowraville fire station responds to a wide range of emergencies in the local area. Emergencies range from motor vehicle accidents, grass, bush and car fires, as well as storms and floods. The station looks after the residential and commercial areas of Bowraville and protects the urban-bushland interface. The historic Bowraville museum and the local theatre are also part of the station’s responsibilities.
The new class 2 fire engine, which cost $310,000, is custom made and fitted out with the latest equipment and technology. The vehicle is a dual cab, which allows fire crews to communicate and, most importantly, discuss strategies on the way to an emergency. It also has a high-pressure pump that supplies approximately 3,000 litres of water a minute and a foam system that will assist in extinguishing chemical, petrol and bush fires. The new state-of-the-art engine is the only one at the station after it replaced an older, less equipped engine that was close to 20 years old. The Bowraville fire station also has a gas detector that has the ability to monitor levels of flammable gases and vapours such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and various oxygen levels. This detector uses four functions and sounds an alarm when levels of exposure to chemicals approach a dangerous level.
It is vital that our front-line fire fighting services have the best possible equipment to deal with a range of emergencies. The new engine will help protect the residents and surrounding areas of Bowraville. This new fire engine is part of the largest roll-out of fire engines in New South Wales Fire Brigades' history. Funding for 238 fire engines across the State was allocated between 1999 and 2003, including 168 for fire stations in rural and regional New South Wales. In addition, 145 engines have been progressively funded between 2003 and 2007. The total cost of the fleet upgrade from 1999 to 2007 will be more than $144 million. This initiative shows the State Government’s commitment to emergency services in regional and rural New South Wales and I commend the Minister and the New South Wales Fire Brigades for their continuing hard work for our regional communities.
On Wednesday 22 February I attended the official opening of the Macksville Memorial Aquatic Centre in Macksville. The Macksville Memorial Aquatic Centre was a jointly funded project by State, federal and local governments. The New South Wales Government, through the New South Wales Department of Sport and Recreation, approved a grant of $250,000 towards the cost of redeveloping the Macksville and District Memorial Pool. Stage one of the project required the demolition of the old amenities building and the construction of a new amenities building, kiosk, office and entry. This task was completed early in 2002 at a cost of approximately $260,000. The second stage comprised the construction of the hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium, amenities for the disabled and heating of the outdoor pool.
This redevelopment was widely supported by Macksville residents, who contributed to the project by raising just over $65,000 towards the cost of re-development. Nambucca Shire Council provided the balance of the cost of the project. This project demonstrates the determination of the Macksville community and it also shows how the three levels of government can work together to provide positive outcomes for local communities. The facility will cater for a wide range of people. It will provide hydrotherapy, aqua aerobics, learn-to-swim programs, cardiovascular workouts, fitness and weight loss programs and a number of other activities for both the young and old. The facility will be an asset for the people of the Macksville area for many years to come.
The opening celebrations were attended by local schools, businesses, residents, members of Parliament and the local council, and representatives from the local Aboriginal group who performed a traditional dance. An elder from the group officially welcomed the visitors to the area. Following the formal proceedings I had the opportunity to see for myself the great facilities at the centre. The event was attended by many of the locals who contributed and helped bring about this redevelopment and I would like to make special mention of their commitment and hard work in helping to secure this facility for their local community.
I am sure the residents are very proud of this addition to their wonderful town. Many of those who were present at the official opening were second and third generation residents who contributed to the original funding of the pool. There is certainly a generational commitment to working for the community of Macksville and the Nambucca shire.