Firies’ gym gear splurge is halved

FIRE and Rescue NSW have slashed a $750,000 splurge on new gym gear after media inquiries about the expenditure amid claims that stations would have to close their doors to cope with budget cuts.

Last Monday, tender documents revealed a spend of from $500,000 to $750,000 on new gym gear for 190 “fitness rooms” at NSW fire stations – worth seven permanent fire fighters for a year.However, after inquiries by The Daily Telegraph, the tender was halved.

“FRNSW has reviewed the estimated tender price brackets previously advertised for these works, and has reduced the amounts down to between $250,000 and $375,000,” new documents said.

Supply lists include treadmills, rowers, exercise balls, skipping ropes and dumbbells.

Documents said the supplies of benches, Olympic weight plates and bars, boxing gloves, wobble boards and exercise mats would replace old gear and involve “complete fitout requests for existing or newly established fitness rooms”.

The department defended the spending last Monday – saying it was a saving of 20 per cent on gym gear.

“FRNSW Health & Safety have identified and selected a range of fitness equipment which will help to improve both the cardiovascular, strength and endurance of firefighters,” tender documents state.

via Firies’ gym gear splurge is halved | thetelegraph.com.au.