Boost for village fire safety
26 November 2020
A NEWLY installed fire fighting system, set to ensure the safety of some of Inverell Shire’s oldest buildings has been completed at Inverell Pioneer Village.
The Pioneer Village Committee inspected the completed works with mayor Paul Harmon earlier this week.
Committee president Stewart Berryman explained the $60,000 project involved the installation of fire hose reels and an underground network of pipes throughout the popular tourist facility, which will provide for a quick response in the event of a fire.
“Several of the buildings at the village date back to the 1800’s, including Grove Homestead from Tingha, constructed in 1840 and Paddy’s Pub, originally from Stanborough, which was built in 1874”.
“Having the fire fighting equipment installed means we can be on the front foot for any fire outbreak while awaiting the local fire brigade”.
Mr Berryman thanked Council and also the Drought Communities funding program for supporting the project.
“The Village brings 15,000 people per year through the gates, so we’re important to the local economy”.
“Covid-19 has certainly had an impact on us and caused a significant drop in visitor numbers, however, the temporary closure was the ideal time for these works to take place”.
“Since re-opening in September, we have had a steady stream of visitors”.
Cr Harmon commended the volunteers for their work to re-open and says it’s terrific to see so many retirees involved in preserving and sharing stories of Inverell’s yesteryear.
“The village is a credit to these volunteers and the caretaker and I’m delighted Council has been able to support this initiative.”
With the majority of buildings on site being timber construction, this is an important project for preserving heritage and also ensuring the safety of the volunteers and visitors”.
Image: Mayor Paul Harmon (left) joins the committee of Inverell Pioneer Village to inspect new fire protection equipment.
For further information contact:
Fiona Adams | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | (02) 6728 8288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au
