The servicing of a large part of the high-fire-season firefighting fleet has been relocated to Collie this week, marking the first step of the Government’s commitment to establishing a bushfire multipurpose facility in Collie.
The fleet will be serviced by Collie-based company South West Fire with work including service and repairs, minor body work and essential checking, testing and inspection of vehicles and equipment.
The firefighting appliances, which have been deployed to high-bushfire risk areas throughout the South-West and Great Southern this summer, are due to be serviced and repaired before a number are deployed to the Kimberley and Pilbara for the northern bushfire season.
A number of the firefighting appliances will be retained for use by the Emergency Driver Training School when it is established in the region.
This strategy is part of the $8 million multipurpose facility in Collie announced by the McGowan Labor Government in March.
The facility will include an Incident Control Centre, Emergency Driver Training School and the fleet management services.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
“I am very pleased that we have been able to relocate part of the high-fire-season fleet maintenance to Collie to help with local jobs and investment in the region.
“This move recognises the skills and experience of the Collie workforce and helps pave the way for the creation of the new $8 million multipurpose bushfire facility.
“Some of the appliances that will be serviced in Collie will be used for the Emergency Driver Training School which is one of the first steps towards the establishment of this new facility.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“I am excited to welcome this job-creating announcement for Collie.
“As a local company, South West Fire do an incredible job employing Collie locals, particularly in regards to taking on young apprentices, providing first-class job training to the next working generation.
“This is yet another step in the McGowan Government’s plan for Collie, expanding our skilled industrial base.”
