Fired-up Locals Protecting Their Community

Mount Barker is benefitting from an almost $700,000 funding injection to local emergency services from the 2019 State Budget.

The $700,000 funding, which totals almost $4 million over the forward estimates, is building vital emergency services to resource the Mount Barker region through the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS).

The MFS yesterday began utilising a retained fire station model, equipping 18 trained local residents with response capabilities in Mount Barker, to respond to incidents as required.

Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Corey Wingard said Mount Barker had been identified as an area which has experienced population growth and a changing demographic in recent years.

“We have seen the population in and around the Mount Barker area steadily grow over the last decade,” said Minister Wingard.

“The town itself has become more urbanised and it required a strong emergency services presence, specifically the MFS, in the community.

“The retained fire station model in Mount Barker will ensure firefighters are on call within the region to respond to emergencies,” said Minister Wingard.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is building emergency services in Mount Barker.”

Mount Barker became the 17th site across South Australia to utilise the retained model.

The funding follows commitments made in previous Budgets.

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