Construction has started on the $6.6 million Bushfires NT Headquarters which is adjacent to the World War Two heritage listed Hughes Airstrip in Acacia Hills on the Stuart Highway.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Local company C&R Constructions Pty Ltd was awarded the contract last month, which is expected to support more than 30 jobs.
The new Headquarters will support 35 Bushfires NT staff and approximately 350 volunteers.
This new headquarters is intended to strengthen relationships with rural landholders, volunteers and service providers.
Once complete the new facility will bring Bushfires NT staff from Winnellie and Batchelor together under one roof making it easier to respond to, and manage bushfire emergencies to keep the community safe.
The new headquarters will include:
- An Incident Control Room;
- Modern office accommodation;
- A radio operations room;
- Volunteer training room;
- A large workshop;
- An appliance bay;
- A vehicle wash-down bay;
- Quick fill capability for firefighting vehicles;
- Operational and support areas;
- Infrastructure and service connections for future expansion; and
- Solar panels and sectioned air-conditioning to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Works are anticipated to take over a year.
Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said: "This is a significant investment into our community and supports more than 30 local jobs.
"In order for us to effectively manage bushfires across the Territory our Bushfires NT staff and volunteers need the right facilities to keep our community safe.
"Our volunteers and Bushfires NT staff do an amazing job protecting our community and I am proud to be able to make it easier for them to keep protecting our community."
C&R Constructions Pty Ltd managing director, Caleb Gotts said: "As a local company C&R Constructions recognises the value of this infrastructure to our Top End rural communities and are proud to be able to partner with the Northern Territory Government, Bushfires NT and the local community in the delivery of this project.
"The Acacia Hills Bushfires NT Headquarters project adds to the companies construction commitments over the next 12 months and helps ensure that the company can continue to invest in building the capacity of our committed workforce, dedicated contractors and suppliers."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
