JOY Burch has turned the first sod to commence construction of a new co-located Ambulance and Fire & Rescue station at Aranda.

“I am delighted to see the construction start on a new emergency service facility for residents of Belconnen,” Joy said.

“This new Ambulance and Fire & Rescue station to be built at Bardi Place, Aranda, will replace two existing stations in the Belconnen town centre.

”In allocating $20.85 million dollars for this new station, the ACT Labor Government is continuing to make good on the commitment to improving emergency service coverage across the Territory.

“Commencement of construction of this new co-located Ambulance and Fire & Rescue station at Aranda comes after extensive community consultation and engagement over the past three years.

“Following on from the delivery of two wonderful new ACT Emergency Service Agency (ACT ESA) stations at West Belconnen and South Tuggeranong in the past 18 months, this new facility will complete the first phase of the ACT ESA Station Upgrade and Relocation Strategy.

“All of these new emergency service facilities demonstrate the ACT Government’s commitment to improving community safety for Canberrans as the city expands and the population grows.

“Strategically locating Ambulance and Fire & Rescue stations to better serve the needs and expectations of the community will help protect and save lives, property and the environment.

“I would like to congratulate the builders with ADCO Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd for winning the tender to build the wonderful new facility.”

It is anticipated that construction of the co-located Ambulance and Fire & Rescue Station will be completed by the end of March 2016.

[Photo: Joy Burch and Mary Porter]