Construction has begun on a new home for the Albany State Emergency Service (SES), which will also serve as a Level 3 Incident Control Centre to manage large-scale emergencies in the region.
Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby today turned the first sod at the $3 million facility, which is funded by the State Government.
The complex includes response and administration buildings, training areas, a garage to house appliances and the regions' Incident Control Vehicle, a mobile communication centre and a command control point for major incidents including bushfires.
The funding was announced earlier this year as part of the State Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, to help the State bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19.
The WA Recovery Plan includes a $13 million support package for upgrades at volunteer emergency services facilities across Western Australia.
The City of Albany is managing construction of the new facility, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2022, in time for the unit's 40-year anniversary.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"The new state-of-the-art headquarters will support volunteers day-to-day and have the ability to be used as a Level 3 Incident Control Centre during large-scale emergencies.
"Construction of the $3 million complex is funded under the State Government's WA Recovery Plan, providing a significant boost to the region with the creation of local jobs.
"Whether it's responding to storm damage, land searches, rescuing trapped or injured people or helping the public prepare for emergencies, Albany SES has a proud history of service.
"I thank the City of Albany for its work in constructing this new facility which will serve the unit for generations to come."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"The Albany State Emergency Service is a very active unit with 55 volunteers in the heart of the Great Southern region, helping keep our local community and visitors safe all year round.
"The new SES headquarters will support the excellent efforts of volunteers, become an important base for training and hopefully motivate others to volunteer.
"I would encourage anyone thinking of becoming an SES volunteer to put the community first and give it a go."
