The NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed on Friday that the Western Area Rural Fire Service headquarters in Young will be relocating with Cowra chosen as the new site.
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A spokesperson for the NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed the decision on Friday afternoon.
According to the spokesperson the Cowra headquarters is part of a statewide restructure for the service.
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"The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Area Management Model is aimed at improving frontline service delivery, while maintaining a strong presence in regional areas," a spokesperson for the RFS said.
"The NSW RFS will establish seven management areas across NSW, replacing the existing four regions structure, State Mitigation Services and Operational and Mitigation Services Business Unit.
"The office locality for the Western Area will be Cowra.
"The NSW RFS is working through a process to discuss the changes with staff and fill roles in the coming months, as well as finalising the office locations," the spokesperson said.
Earlier this year Hilltops Council mayor Brian Ingram demanded answers from the NSW State Government and the head of the NSW Rural Fire Service on rumours the headquarters in Young would be relocated.
Last month the Cr Ingram said he also attempted on five occasions, by phone and in writing, to contact NSW deputy premier John Barilaro regarding the matter.
"The lack of response is unacceptable," Cr Ingram said. "There have been conversations where it has been said no jobs will be lost, but why take 10 jobs from Young? It is political bastardy at its best."
Cr Ingram believes the possible relocation will be a huge loss to the Young community.
"The lack of communication with Local Government is disappointing. I can't get a response," Cr Ingram said at the time.
Cr Ingram said he had received reassurance that a new RFS Fire Control Centre being built in Harden was to go ahead after Hilltops Council had committed $1.2 million to the project.
It is believed however that the Cowra office will be located at the Cowra Airport giving staff easy access to aerial fire fighting services.
Cowra mayor Bill West said the council was pleased with the confirmation of the office relocating to Cowra.
However, Cr West said "we are aware there have been announcements to RFS staff about the changing structure of the NSW Rural Fire across the state I am mindful that no announcement has yet been made by the Minister.
Cowra Shire Council wrote to the State government earlier this year expressing an interest in having the headquarters located in Cowra.
