The NSW Government is delivering a new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station at Charlestown, providing modernised emergency coverage for the Greater Newcastle area.
The Minns Labor Government has allocated $7.7 million in the 2024-25 Budget to the new facility, which will include additional training facilities, storage areas and workspaces.
Design of the new facility will start in the upcoming financial year and will be informed by consultation with the Charlestown crew.
The new station will be designed to meet the needs of a modern firefighting workforce and adhere to FRNSW’s ‘Clean Firefighter’ policy, separating work and cleaning areas.
The existing station is almost 40 years old and has limited scope for expansion and modernisation.
Funding for the design of the new Charlestown station is part of a $96.9 million capital investment in the Fire and Rescue network in 2024-25, including funding for new fire stations at Badgerys Creek and Byron Bay.
The Minns Labor Government has also committed an additional $189.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to guarantee the positions of 286 permanent firefighters, whose jobs were not previously funded on an ongoing basis.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“We are rebuilding essential services across the State through the NSW Budget 2024-25, ensuring Fire and Rescue NSW can respond to emergencies and restoring job security for firefighters.
“This new fire station will provide a modern base for Charlestown firefighters who play a critical frontline role in keeping the local community safe.”
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
“This new station is great news for local Charlestown firefighters and for the Charlestown community.
“With local crews having the opportunity to provide feedback on the design, I look forward to seeing the final building when it opens.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:
“A new fire station at Charlestown is important for our operational readiness, and we are dedicated to improving our infrastructure to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting in the Lake Macquarie district.
“This new facility will not only replace the old station but also provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the public.”