29/10/02
A new Fire and Rescue Service fire station in Malaga has boosted fire protection for the surrounding community, and the people of Perth.
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts officially opened the new $1.2million facility today.
"The fact that there is a firefighting team on Malaga's doorstep around the clock certainly allows for more efficient and effective service delivery to the area," Mrs Roberts said.
"A FESA review had identified the need for a fire station to be located in Malaga to meet the future population growth and link adjacent fire stations.
"This modern custom-built station replaces the former 37-year-old Bedford Fire Station which had played a significant role in some of the biggest fire incidents including the Morley Boans fire in 1986, but which was in need of major overhaul.
"The Bedford Station was opened in 1965 and cost 1,500 pounds to build. The new station cost $1.2million and will service more than 30,000 dwellings in the immediate area, as well as responding to major incidents across the metropolitan area.
"The Malaga station is sited in a major traffic area, and firefighters will respond to multiple types of emergencies as a result of the mix of residential, light industrial, semi-rural and sensitive urban bushland."
Mrs Roberts said that local career firefighters had contributed their time and ideas to the planning and design, and outlined some of the state-of-the-art station's features:
- an engine room to accommodate up to four firefighting appliances including Malaga Fire and Rescue's Scania medium pumper and Toyota light tanker;
- fully air conditioned accommodation areas for firefighters; and
- a training tower at the rear of the building for use in drills and practical exercises.
Located at 14 Irvine Drive, Malaga Fire Station was designed by architects Sandover Pinder Pty. Ltd and built by Lakis Construction.
Funding was provided by the WA State Government through FESA's capital works investment program.
The station will be permanently crewed by firefighters on a four-shift basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Minister's office: 9213 6613
