Emergency services can't become complacent as population grows to 100,000 residents

Daily Advertiser, 30th September 2019

EMERGENCY services cannot afford to become complacent as the city prepares for rapid growth, says the zone commander of Fire and Rescue. Mr Stewart Alexander, of Fire and Rescue, said the Wagga's emergency services as it stands have a robust system. Any future that boosts the city's population beyond 100,000 residents, however, will require the emergency services agencies to predetermined Wagga's growth areas and find solutions to ease response times.

"It is a scientific analysis rather than an ad hoc decision," Mr Alexander said. He said the northern suburbs of Boorooma, Estella and Gobbagombalin, as well as the industrial activity occurring in Bomen has been identified as a key growth area. The residential expansion happening in Wagga's southern suburbs such as Lloyd are also on the radar for emergency units. Fire and Rescue has two stations located at Turvey Park and Esplanade whereas the State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Services headquarters are located at Fernleigh Road in Ashmont. The RFS has brigades located at Lake Albert and Forest Hill. Mr Alexander said it is a reasonable assumption that more resources will be required as the city prepares for mass growth within a 19-year time frame. "Adding another (station) is certainly an alternative option, but what shape and form that will take we are unsure," he said. A proposed emergency services super site at Boorooma became a talking point almost three years ago when Wagga City Council set aside nine hectares of land near the corner of Olympic Highway and Coolamon Road. However, Wagga councillors have called for answers to the plan that could merge Wagga's Fire and Rescue, State Emergency and Rural Fire services at one site or risk reallocation of the land. "These types of services need to be delivered at the right place at the right time. It is a lengthy process and we need appropriate funding," Mr Alexander said. "There are no current plans to close a fire station in Wagga. We are looking at enhancing capability and response times so we can keep up the pace." Although improved infrastructure for emergency services is required for the city's growth, he said a suitable staffing model is equally important. A NSW Rural Fire Services spokesperson said local emergency services are supportive of a proposed emergency services precinct in Wagga. "A number of sites are currently being evaluated by the council we a report expected in October," they said. "The NSW RFS looks forward to working with the council to progress the precinct."