NSW upgrades Snowy Mountains fire stations with $2.5 million investment
Iain Hoey
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Cooma and Thredbo stations receive major upgrades
The NSW Government has confirmed more than $2.5 million has been spent modernising fire stations in the Snowy Mountains region.
According to the NSW Government, Cooma Fire Station received $1.7 million in upgrades, while Thredbo Fire Station was allocated $900,000.
The investment is intended to improve fire protection capacity in bushfire-prone environments and enhance working conditions for local Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) staff.
The NSW Government stated that works at Cooma include new engine bays and an extended driveway to support vehicles of different sizes.
Other additions include new washroom facilities, motion-sensor LED lighting, improved storage, an automatic ventilation system, and clean-up facilities for hazardous waste incidents.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said: “Local firefighters have told us what works at stations and what needs to change.
“We’ve acted on their advice to create new-look workplaces designed to meet emergency response needs now and into the future.”
“Snowy Mountains firefighters work in unique conditions, and the improved design of their fire stations reflects this.”
Thredbo station enhancements support emergency operations
According to the NSW Government, Thredbo Fire Station was fitted with new roller shutter doors and improved ventilation as part of its modernisation project.
The government said these changes are designed to support retained firefighters working in a high-demand area, especially during ski season.
The Hon. Steve Whan MP, Member for Monaro, said: “Thredbo station is also a critical part of the region’s emergency infrastructure, and it relies on a small group of very dedicated retained firefighters.
“I’m so pleased to see this investment in keeping the facility up to standards, it’s part of the ongoing commitment to helping our emergency workers do their vital job.
“I would encourage locals who feel they could play a part to talk to Fire and Rescue about becoming a retained firefighter at one of our local stations.”
Stewart Alexander, FRNSW Acting Area Commander, added: “The timing of construction work at both stations had to work around the busy ski season and weather conditions.
“We’re thrilled to have upgraded fire stations available to service Snowy Mountains communities.”
Community-focused investment in regional firefighting
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the state government’s investment supports the long-term fire protection of Snowy Mountains communities.
Jihad Dib said: “This $2.5 million investment in Snowy Mountains fire stations, provides fire protection for local communities for years to come.
“It’s been great to visit these stations as refurbishments are completed, and these are just some of the improvements Fire and Rescue NSW is rolling out at stations across the state.
“This is a significant commitment by the NSW Government to boost frontline firefighting in a bushfire-prone environment and keep communities safe.”
Steve Whan MP added that the upgrades were welcomed by firefighters in the region, stating: “I’m pleased to see the upgraded facilities meeting the needs of the committed firefighters.
“Having spoken to many of our local firies about the project, I know they’re pleased to be getting improved storage, engine bays and driveways.”
Design feedback from firefighters shaped final works
FRNSW said that staff feedback was key to shaping both refurbishment projects.
Jeremy Fewtrell said: “Local firefighters have told us what works at stations and what needs to change.
“We’ve acted on their advice to create new-look workplaces designed to meet emergency response needs now and into the future.”
The NSW Government explained that firefighter input was essential to tailoring each location to the operational and environmental demands of the Snowy Mountains.
At Cooma, improvements also focused on health and safety measures, including automatic ventilation and hazard clean-up facilities.
The government said these facilities aim to support both daily operations and response to large-scale emergencies.
Fire and Rescue NSW supports community engagement
According to the NSW Government, both upgraded fire stations continue to serve as key points of engagement with local residents.
Steve Whan MP said: “The Cooma community and I are grateful for the commitment by the firefighters to keep us safe.
“They balance the demands of part time roles and training with their work and family commitments, and they turn out, not just in emergencies, but at a range of community events.”
The NSW Government added that the stations’ refurbishment reflects wider plans to strengthen regional fire infrastructure across New South Wales.
Jihad Dib said: “These are just some of the improvements Fire and Rescue NSW is rolling out at stations across the state.”
The state government confirmed that similar projects are underway to enhance response capabilities in other bushfire-prone areas.
NSW upgrades Snowy Mountains fire stations with $2.5 million investment: Summary
The NSW Government has reported a $2.5 million investment in fire stations in the Snowy Mountains.
Cooma Fire Station received $1.7 million and Thredbo Fire Station received $900,000.
The upgrades include engine bays, extended driveways, ventilation systems and storage improvements.
New washroom facilities and hazardous waste clean-up areas have also been added at Cooma.
Thredbo received modernised ventilation and roller shutter doors.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the investment supports community fire protection.
The Member for Monaro, Steve Whan MP, said the updates meet firefighter needs.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the works were based on firefighter input.
FRNSW Acting Area Commander Stewart Alexander noted the upgrades were timed around ski season activity.
The NSW Government said the investment is part of broader infrastructure works across the state.