The proposal would see staff returned to the Corowa RFS facility, which is owned by the council and recently refurbished at a cost of $200,000.
Council has written to Albury MP, Justin Clancy requesting a meeting with Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, to discuss the proposal.
A review of historical records indicates that between 2005 and 2007, the former Corowa Shire had reluctantly agreed to team with Greater Hume and Albury Councils.
At that time, a zone manager was appointed for the Corowa and Berrigan areas.
Since then, RFS staff positions for the area have gradually shifted to Albury, leaving local volunteers with limited access to support services.
The Federation Zone now includes the former Urana Shire, added during the 2016 Council amalgamation, but no additional staff were transferred to meet the increased workload.
At last month’s council meeting, Redlands rural brigade captain, Phil Penny told councillors of frustration in the local brigades over a lack of support from the Albury-based RFS.
Capt. Penny said the Corowa office only saw the RFS from Albury for five hours a week and no longer acted as an equipment store.
“Multiple times our fire trucks have not had yearly inspections and ran out of registration,” he said.
“Local fire brigades need better support with local headquarters … a boots on ground operation.”
He said the Corowa centre had been upgraded to a very high standard, was completely functional and “a fit for purpose building we should be very proud of”.
Federation Council is advocating for a manager and one to two administrative and operational staff to be based permanently at Corowa.
Officials say resource-sharing with Albury and Greater Hume could continue, but the presence of local staff would improve service delivery and volunteer support.
