The NSW Nationals in the state government have secured a new tanker for the Tamworth Rural Fire Service.
NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Deputy Premier John Barilaro were joined by the Premier in meeting with local RFS and State Emergency Service volunteers thanking them for their commitment over a difficult 12 months.
Mr Barilaro said he was pleased to see rural communities like Tamworth be better prepared to battle bushfires in the future.
“If last summer taught us anything, it’s that our firefighters need to be prepared for the worst,” Mr Barilaro said.
“A major part of the ongoing bushfire recovery is to make every effort to protect our communities from bushfires in the future.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said it was great that the Premier and Deputy Premier are able to see the Tamworth Region looking healthy again.
“For the past few years, our region has been gripped by drought and bushfires,” Mr Anderson said.
“I’m happy that I am able to welcome the Premier and Deputy Premier at a time when our region is looking so vibrant.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: “The NSW Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible equipment so they have all the tools they need to protect our community.”
Superintendent of the Tamworth Rural Fire Service Allyn Purkiss said this tanker was a welcome addition to the Tamworth fleet.
“The new category six tanker will be a very welcome addition to the Tamworth fleet,” Superintendent Purkiss said.
“Carrying 9000 litres of water and the most advanced crew protection available, the tanker will be able to safely protect the Tamworth community from fires, while keeping the firefighting crew safe at the same time.”
The Premier and Deputy Premier also visited the Northern Inland Centre for Sporting Excellence, meeting Warriors CEO Cameron George.
