The $25 million Palmerston Regional Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services complex – “fast-tracked” after being delayed for years – will soon open to enhance emergency response to the community, with the final fit-out underway, the Fyles Government said.

The station was originally scheduled to be finished and operational by June 2021 – but early works did not start until March of the same year – although the government did not mention that in its recent announcement.

The new and modernised complex is located on Howard Springs Road, which the government said would enable quick access for NT Fire and Rescue Service and NT Emergency Services to respond to incidents in Palmerston and the region.

The complex features more area for larger appliances, and will have increased capacity for: Larger crew numbers on extreme fire danger days; Operation and meeting rooms; Training area; Breathing apparatus room; and a workshop and communications tower.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Kate Worden said the new station will co-locate two central services, and deliver better capacity for training and response for career firefighters and Rescue Service volunteers.

“The complex significantly improves emergency and disaster response capabilities for the residents of Palmerston, Coolalinga and the rural area, with a modern facility which will meet the community’s needs for decades to come,” Ms Worden said.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the complex will be formally opened “before the end of the year”.

“There has been significant population growth and expansion of the city since the opening of the original Palmerston Fire Station back in the 1980s,” Ms Lawler said.

The facility has been built by local company C&R Constructions, purportedly “supporting” 240 jobs during the build, although the government did not provide any evidence to support that claim.

In 2019, the government claimed the new station would create 180 “direct and indirect” jobs.

No explanation was ever provided for why construction of the station was delayed. The previous Gunner government stated ahead of the 2020 general election that the station would be completed by the end of last year, when they awarded the contract more than two years ago.