BY JESSICA ROUSE

A proposal to relocate a heavy rescue fire truck and its two permanent staff from Cooks Hill Fire Station has one local MP fired up.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp believes the proposal to relocate the equipment and the staff into New Lambton is dangerous, especially considering the rapid growth of the CBD.

He says emergency services need to have a long hard look at the idea and completely reconsider it.

“It’s
something that really does need to be looked really hard at, it could
increase emergency response times and the risk to life is something that
really needs to be thought about long and hard and I suggest that
is done,”

“Given the city is moving along so quickly and we have so many
apartments and high rises and development in the city, it would be
detrimental to move it from the CBD,” said Tim Crakanthorp.

But Newcastle Superintendent Greg Windeatt has hosed down the claims, confirming to 2NURFM the proposal is just that – a proposal.

He said proposals such as this one are put forward all of the time as a part of the services review of their delivery commitments and resources.

Tim Crakathorp maintains though that it’s a dangerous idea, and he’s urging the idea to be taken off the table.

“I’ve been approached by constituents on this issue so I’m bringing that to the attention of the minister and asking for a reassessment of this possible decision, or proposed decision.”




Image fire.nsw.gov.au