At a whopping 1250 square metres, Prugger’s bus and Coach Service has an impressive new home in Coonabarabran’s industrial area, in what has arguably become the largest shed in town.

The family business had been operating from the former bus depot on River Road since 1992, but when the opportunity to develop a purpose-built site arose in 2016, the Prugger’s jumped.

Anthony Prugger said as the industry evolved and regulations increased, the need for a bigger facility became apparent.

“When the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) advertised for Expressions of Interest for a heavy vehicle inspection station, we thought that was something that we could use down the track as part of our operation,” Anthony said.

“We have a fleet of 13 - three coaches, eight school buses and two smaller buses - and inspections are required twice a year.

“We would have to travel to Dubbo or Narrabri pretty regularly to keep up with the inspections, so it made sense to look at developing a new site where the location worked in our favour.

“We could also see that the demand was there, not just locally, but from Coonamble and Baradine areas as well.”

It took a lengthy 18 months to get the Development Approval, and a further 12 months to build, finally moving into their new digs in Gardiner Street in January this year, just in time for the return to school.

Having completed a Bachelor of CIvil Engineering and Surveying at the University of Newcastle, Anthony was well-placed to design the four-bay workshop and oversee the project to fruition.

“We were also able to address some water concerns at Shady Rock Nursery, which is now fully self-sufficient thanks to the water being caught from the roof of the shed into a large tank,” Anthony said.

“To see it all come together and the opportunities it brings, is a great feeling!”