State election rivals faced off for the first time on Saturday since Jaimie Abbott was endorsed as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Port Stephens, currently held by Labor’s Kate Washington.
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The political foes were part of a massive turn-out for the opening by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian of the brand new $700,000 Fingal Bay Rural Fire Service (RFS) station.
The Premier, who had earlier that day addressed the Liberal Party state conference at Nelson Bay Diggers, took time out of her schedule to perform the duties alongside high ranking NSW RFS and Port Stephens Council representatives.
The Boulder Bay Road station was funded by the NSW Government and constructed by council staff.
Ms Berejiklian said that the station had provided Fingal Bay firefighters with a welcome upgrade and modern facilities to serve and protect the local community.
“It has been a busy and early start to the fire season for the Fingal Bay brigade and Lower Hunter firefighters, with a number of fires in the area, including recent the Salt Ash fire,” she said.
“I would like to thank each and every one of the firefighters from all agencies, RFS, Fire and Rescue and National Parks and Wildlife Service, who worked tirelessly to protect residents of Tanilba Bay, Mallabula and Lemon Tree Passage.
“The challenging work that you do is appreciated. Without your professionalism and skills, this community would not have the high level of fire protection that they do.”
The council's Cameron Donaldson said that the RFS played a key role in keeping the local community safe – whether it’s fighting bushfires, responding to emergency incidents, or supporting the community during times of disaster.
“The RFS volunteers give so much to our community, so it’s nice to assist them with upgraded facilities,” Mr Donaldson said
“This fire station features office and meeting space, a new kitchen, storage rooms as well as male and female bathrooms. Overall this is a vast improvement on the modest facilities that Fingal Bay had previously."
Also present was NSW Legislative Assembly member Catherine Cusack and NSW RFS deputy commissioner Rob Rogers.
The council was represented by general manager Wayne Wallis and councillors Glen Dunkley and John Nell.
Ms Abbott paid tribute to the incredible volunteers who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our community.
Ms Washington said she was disappointed that the Premier had made “no mention of fixing their ‘mistake’ and buying back Mambo Wetlands, nor on their decision to delay the Nelson Bay Road duplication”.
