A local construction company has just secured a $6.6 million contract to build the new Bushfires NT Headquarters at the Hughes Airstrip in Acacia Hills.
The Northern Territory Government awarded the contract to C&R Constructions Pty Ltd, which is expected to support more than 30 local jobs.
The new Headquarters will align staff located at Winnellie and Batchelor to the one location – a move which aims to better coordinate fire season planning and response.
The facility will support Bushfires NT respond to and manage bushfire emergencies through an improved and integrated Incident Control Room and will provide a combination of incident control, training, volunteer information and support, and community and information.
The new Headquarters is also set to feature:
- Modern office accommodation;
- An appliance bay;
- Operational and support areas;
- Infrastructure and service connections for future expansion; and
- Solar panels and sectioned air-conditioning to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Works on the development are expected to commence in the coming months and will run over a 12 month period.
Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler, commented that Bushfires NT staff and volunteers are well known for the great job they do for their community and keeping people safe.
“This will become so much easier with the construction of a new HQ here in Acacia Hills,” she said.
“Our investment in this new facility to support Bushfires NT keep our community safe, brings vital services together and closer to one of the largest communities it serves.”
C & R Constructions Managing Director, Caleb Gotts, also commented that they look forward to breaking ground in the coming weeks.
“This project will sustain our business, maintaining employment and opportunities for not only our 36 staff but also a range of local sub-contractors and suppliers.”
“Having 12 months of work ahead of us is fantastic and we look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead,” Mr Gotts added.