^{Date Published: 01 May 2009 8:34am}

The Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Paul Henderson said Budget 2009 provides funding for an additional 20 firefighters.

Darwin will receive 11 firefighters and 9 will be stationed in Alice Springs. "The extra firefighters will cater for population growth, and service additional residential and commercial buildings," Mr Henderson said.

Recruitment, training and employment of the officers will begin in 2009-10. Planning for a new $12.3 million fire station at Berrimah will also begin in 2009- 10.

"The new station will be in a strategic location to service the growing residential needs south of Darwin and the increasing industrial base at the Darwin Business Park and East Arm Port."

Mr Henderson said Budget 2009 is being framed in extremely unique circumstances as Australia battles a recession.

"We have to balance the interests of maintaining a strong economy with the realities of a tighter fiscal market. We know we have to be prudent but we also recognise we must continue to create jobs now to ensure our long-term prosperity.

"My Government is committed to resourcing our essential services to create new jobs and ensure our community remains safe, while delivering a fiscally responsible Budget."

Budget 2009 will provide funding of $3.5 million over two years for:

• The 20 firefighters for Darwin and Alice Springs
  
• ldentification of a site for the new station at Berrimah
  

Budget 2009 also delivers:

• An extra $200 000 per year to fast-track the upgrade and replacement of fire and rescue trucks
  
• $280,00 for two additional staff and one vehicle to increase the training capacity of the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
  

"Work to identify a site for the new station will begin in 2009-10 and construction is expected to begin in 2011-12. When complete, the new station will be staffed with an additional 22 firefighters."