RFS - New Premises Construction Commencement
The new purpose-built station for the Pacific Palms RFS brigade — a $2.256 million NSW Government investment, with early earthworks underway at 30 April 2026 and targeted for completion before the next bushfire season.
The first sod is turned — NSW Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson with Ugo Tolone, District Manager Taree, NSW RFS, on the cleared site, 30 April 2026.
Brigade in need
The Pacific Palms Rural Fire Service brigade is the volunteer organisation that protects the bushland and properties of the Smiths Lake — Pacific Palms area from fire. For decades the brigade has operated from premises that have served well, but no longer meet the operational, training, and recruitment needs of a modern volunteer brigade in a fire-prone coastal landscape.
On 30 April 2026, early earthworks commenced on a new, purpose-built station. A community ceremony at the cleared site marked the start of the project, attended by NSW Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson, RFS District Manager Ugo Tolone, and a strong turnout from local brigade members, and the wider community.
Representatives of the Pacific Palms brigade gathered on the cleared site for the commencement ceremony.
What the new premises will deliver
The new facility is designed around three core needs:
- Operational response — multi-vehicle bays to allow the brigade to deploy faster and house its full fleet under cover, protecting equipment and reducing response times.
- Training and coordination — dedicated training space to support both routine brigade training and the larger-scale coordination required when the brigade hosts or supports neighbouring units during fire events.
- Recruitment and community presence — a visible, accessible station providing the brigade a stronger community profile and a welcoming first point of contact for prospective volunteers.
Concept sketches: the brigade's existing truck (left), proposed site plan and layout (top), and 3D elevation of the new building (bottom).
Project timeline
- 30 April 2026 — Commencement ceremony; early earthworks begin
- May – mid 2026 — Site preparation, foundations, structural works
- Late 2026 — Target completion, before the 2026–27 bushfire season
- End September 2026 — Targeted construction completion
- Late 2026 / early 2027 — Brigade transition and operational handover
- TBA — Official opening (community event)
This page will be retained in the history section of the Villagefirst website. For now, watch here in the Project Hub for progress and updates.
Mary Yule, Editor of the Forster Fortnightly, filming the brigade for the paper's coverage of the ceremony — alongside Channel 9 television crew recording the event for regional broadcast.
Volunteer with the Pacific Palms Rural Fire Brigade
The Pacific Palms RFS is a volunteer brigade, and new members are always welcome — regardless of background or fire-service experience. Brigade training is provided. The new premises will make joining easier, more visible, and more central to village life.
- Training nights — Tuesdays from 6:00pm
- Contact — Pacific Palms Rural Fire Brigade (via the Pacific Palms RFS Facebook page or your local Fire Control)
- More information — NSW Rural Fire Service
If you have ever thought about volunteering with the local brigade, the start of construction on the new premises is an excellent moment to make contact.
Key facts
- Project — New Pacific Palms RFS Station
- Funding — $2.256 million, NSW Government
- Funding announced by — NSW Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson
- Commencement — 30 April 2026 (early earthworks)
- Operational target — completion before the 2026–27 bushfire season
- Location — Macwood Road / Paradise Drive corner, on the approach to Smiths Lake
- Facility type — purpose-built, multi-vehicle bay station with training facilities
- Builder — Kingston Construction
- Operating model — NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer brigade
- Project status — under construction (May 2026)
Sources: NSW Nationals — Construction of new Pacific Palms RFS station underway (April 2026). NBN News — Construction starts on new Pacific Palms RFS station (30 April 2026). Pacific Palms Rural Fire Brigade community photography (30 April 2026). Content compiled for Villagefirst. This is a living project page — updates will be added as the project progresses.