A newly-unveiled $23.8 million training centre for the state's rural firefighters is set to draw students to Dubbo and add to its workforce in an ongoing boost to the city's economy.
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More than 50 full-time jobs will ultimately be based at the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Training Academy, the organisation reports.
Emergency services minister David Elliott and NSW RFS acting Commissioner Rob Rogers with Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders officially opened the $18.2 million first stage of the project.
It was delivered in partnership with Dubbo Regional Council, and built by locally-based David Payne Constructions.
As dignitaries toured the training rooms, catering areas and on-site accommodation, Dubbo's win from the decentralisation move was celebrated.
Mr Rogers said Dubbo would become the base for state and regionally-run courses, and induction training that had previously taken place in Sydney would move west.
"I certainly know this made financial sense for us, because we were using hotel-type accommodation in Sydney previously to do this sort of training that we're going to move out here, so that alone is cost-effective for us to do that," he said.
"And there's no reason why we would be doing this in Sydney, it's something we should move to the bush and that will help the local economy because the people cleaning and doing the catering and the airport, everything gets supported.
... it's something we should move to the bush and that will help the local economy because the people cleaning and doing the catering and the airport, everything gets supported.
- NSW RFS acting Commissioner Rob Rogers
"Obviously the additional staff that will work here, they live in the local area, so it's a really good news story for everyone in the Dubbo area."
The first stage includes accommodation for 30 people, and the first students will arrive from next week.
The second stage would house up to 97 people, and would be within 12 months, Mr Rogers said.
Mr Elliott described the centre as "groundbreaking".
"Setting aside the fact the RFS is filled with 80,000 volunteers who go and risk their lives without any thought of reward or recognition, it is important for us as a government to say not only do we appreciate that sacrifice, but we actually will provide you with the resources, the training and the education, to ensure you do that in a better, more efficient and a safer way," he said.
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