New southern lake rural fire force being considered

18 March 2015

A new rural fire force may be established at the southern end of Lake Taupo in an effort to bolster volunteer numbers and meet future needs.

Taupo District Council's emergency management committee has agreed in principle to seek the community's views on the formation of a new entity to replace the former Omori Rural Fire Force that has not been operational since the resignation of its chief fire officer in November. The new entity would serve a wider geographical area.

Community, risk, relations and support strategic manager Brian Fox said the council had to look strategically to the future.

The Omori force is effectively in recess so this is the ideal time to look how to expand the volunteer base, reinvigorate rural fire services at the southern end of the lake, and increase the geographical base it covers, said Mr Fox.

Like the rural fire force in Taupo, the one at that end of the lake relies on having willing and able volunteers and we need to work with all communities in the south western area, not just Omori and Kuratau, he said.

The Council was committed to providing a rural fire force for the southern and western parts of the district through its draft 10-Year Plan.

It needed to do what it could to secure a reliable rural fire response for the future, Mr Fox said.

ENDS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz