The region's newest fire station was officially opened on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres, and Fire and Rescue NSW acting Commissioner Jim Hamilton helped launch the new $2.5 million station at Albion Park.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward, Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba and Wollongong MP Noreen Hay also attended at the new facility, which will house 16 permanent and 14 on-call firefighters.
Fire and Rescue Illawarra Superintendent Ed Salinas said Albion Park was a "burgeoning area" in need of a new, state-of-the-art emergency facility.
"This is an area of growth in population, industry and infrastructure, and we recognised a need to plan for the future," Supt Salinas said.
It will be Albion Park's first fire station staffed 24 hours a day by retained, or permanent, firefighters.
Station commander Dennis Cornell said the station had a large double engine bay to house two fire trucks, including a specialist rescue truck, training rooms and better staff accommodation.
"I've been a firefighter a long time, and these are the best facilities I've ever seen in a fire station," Mr Cornell said.
Mr Ayres said the state government was "committed to keeping fire stations open as much as possible".
"This is a fantastic resource for the community," he said.
The station is on Russell Street.