The Coalition will provide Penrith’s Museum of Fire with $2 million in funding for a new storage facility if it wins Saturday’s election.
Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh made the commitment in the final days of the election campaign.
“The Museum of Fire holds many precious historical items showcasing our nation’s firefighting history, and it is an honour to host them in our local community of Penrith,” McIntosh said.
“The much-needed storage facility will house over 50 fire engines and ensure the safe preservation of the museum’s heritage fleet.
“It is important that we protect the Museum’s large vehicle collection which encompasses hand drawn, horse drawn and motorised appliances dating from the late 18th century up to the 21st century.”
Museum of Fire CEO Belinda McMartin welcomed the promised funding saying it would ensure the preservation of history within the state.
“The Museum of Fire is tasked as caring for the state’s heritage as a custodian of history,” McMartin said.
“As a not for profit, registered charity, the Museum receives no external funding and so the feasibility of building a new collection facility, adequate to store the heritage collection in the Museum’s care is untenable without support.
“Not only would a new facility ensure that the Museum can continue to care for the state’s heritage, but the money spent on external storage would be able to be re-directed to community projects and fire safety education.”
Labor candidate for Lindsay, Hollie McLean, gave no indication her party would match the funding when contacted for a response, instead focusing on broader issues.
“The campaign promise you won’t hear Melissa McIntosh talking about is the Liberal Party’s plans to increase income taxes for every taxpayer and make huge budget cuts to pay for $600 billion on nuclear reactors,” McLean said.
“In contrast, the Albanese Government has positive policies to benefit everyone including a tax cut for all taxpayers, strengthening Medicare, and backing working families to get a pay rise to help with the cost of living.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.