12/8/2002
Premier Geoff Gallop today announced that Narrogin-based company WA Fire Appliances had won a contract worth up to $2million to build fire appliances.
Dr Gallop said the contract, which had been awarded by the Fire and Emergencies Authority of Western Australia (FESA), was over a four-year period and would be a welcome boost for the local Narrogin economy.
"The initial 12-month contract valued at $600,000 (subject to provision of a bank security), will see WA Fire Appliances of Narrogin manufacture eight new rural firefighting vehicles," he said.
"If FESA and WA Fire Appliances take up the option to extend the contract for a further three years, this would see the company supply a total of 26 tankers worth up to $2million.
"The awarding of this contract to a small regional business enterprise is a very welcome shot in the arm for local employment and can only be good for Narrogin and the region.
"WA Fire Appliances is to be congratulated for its excellent workmanship, dedicated workforce and reliability."
Jointly developed by FESA Technical Services staff and firefighters, the '3.4 tankers' to be supplied by the company feature state-of-the-art technology.
They are ideal for broadacre and rural bush firefighting and will be utilised by regional volunteer bush fire brigades around the State.
Improved safety and operating features of the tankers include:
- increased water capacity to 2,700 litres (currently 2,400 litres); and
- superior high pressure pump performance for better structural firefighting capabilities.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts, who visited the WA Fire Appliance's factory in Narrogin with the Premier today, said that over the past five years the company had established a sound working relationship with FESA, having supplied them with 93 specialist appliances.
"This includes firefighting vehicles such as medium pumpers, fast attack appliances and rural tankers, as well as customised trailers for the State Emergency Service, to a total value of $5million," Mrs Roberts said.
Currently the company is finalising a contract for the construction of 10 medium pumpers for FESA's Fire and Rescue Service, of which nine have been completed and are now in commission.
In addition, WA Fire Appliances has been awarded a contract for supply and delivery of 35 specially designed trailers for the State Emergency Service, 30 of which have already been commissioned.
Premier's office: 9222 9475
Minister's office: 9213 6600
