The new HQ is a significant investment in the rural area, where demand for services – particularly asset protection – continues to increase as the population grows.

The new facility is expected to begin construction at the start of the 2019 Dry Season and support 30 local jobs.

The new headquarters will combine training, volunteer information and support, incident control and community education and information.

The Acacia Hills HQ will be located adjacent to the WWII Hughes airstrip that currently serves as a forward base for fixed-wing firefighting aircraft when responding to significant fires in the rural area.

This year’s Budget boost of $2 million has also provided opportunities to upgrade services for the volunteer fire brigades, including  $210,000 for two new Grass Fire Units – one each for the Elizabeth Valley and Berry Springs volunteer bushfire brigades have been provided earlier today to support the vital work the volunteers do in keeping Territorians safe.

These units are capable of safely transporting volunteer firefighters to the fire ground and equipped to provide firefighting suppression activities.

These two new Grass Fire Units and the construction of a new Acacia Hills HQ will improve safety and accessibility, and strengthen relationships with rural landholders, volunteers and service providers.

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