Ku-ring-gai Council has today welcomed the opening of East Killara’s new Rural Fire Brigade Station, which was delivered by the NSW Government with Council support.
Mayor, Christine Kay and Ku-ring-gai Councillors attended the station’s opening on Saturday.
Ku-ring-gai Council assisted the opening of the new Koola Avenue station by:
- Extinguishing an existing lease on the site, and working with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to clarify land title issues
- Demolishing a derelict former scout hall on the site; and
- Assessing the development application for the new station.
Once the relevant construction defects period ends, Council will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the station. The station will be operated by the RFS.
“This new station will be an important fire-fighting asset for our local area,” Mayor Kay said.
“Its opening is timely, coming during the summer bushfire season.
“Ku-ring-gai Council played an important role to help deliver this station, which was funded and project managed by the NSW Government.
“I thank the government for investing in such an important facility for our residents.”
Mayor Kay said that, apart from the station’s opening, the Council, NSW Fire & Rescue and the RFS were undertaking a range of activities to help minimise the bushfire threat to Ku-ring-gai.
This includes carrying out actions identified in the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Risk Management Plan through the completion of hazard reduction burns, maintaining asset protection zones and fire breaks and ensuring access along fire trails is maintained for emergency service vehicles.
Mayor Kay said local homeowners could also play a role in protecting themselves and their properties by preparing a bushfire survival plan and cleaning out gutters.
“The Council and RFS hold regular community meetings with local residents on how to prepare for the possibility of bushfire,” Mayor Kay said.
“In November last year Council held a Bushfire Expo at West Pymble, where community members were able to speak to experts about how to protect their homes and family.
“We are also planning to hold a series of Get Ready Ku-ring-gai neighbourhood street meetings for community bushfire preparation across 2025, following the successful meeting in East Killara in late December. These events are supported by the Sydney North Health Network”.
