Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Phil Koperberg officially opened the new $2.7 million Mid North Coast Fire Control Centre in Coffs Harbour on Sunday (Nov 1). Mr Koperberg said that the new Centre would significantly improve operational and training capabilities for local firefighters and help them better respond to local emergencies. “This new Fire Control Centre will be a major new asset for emergency management within the Mid North Coast area,” Mr Koperberg said. The $2.7 million facility provides better operations and administrations resources allowing the RFS to better coordinate its response during bush fire emergencies in the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen local government areas. “The new centre also provides additional training space for not only the RFS, but all emergency services in the area. “Additional training facilities within the building will allow RFS volunteers to further hone their skills as well as allowing other emergency services to come in and train when needed. “Our volunteer firefighters generously give their time to protect their communities during emergencies and the Rees Government is committed to supporting them with the equipment, training and other resources they need for their vital work,” Mr Koperberg said.