There's been success with Council's application to the NSW Government Club Grants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program for $200K toward Wingecarribee Shire's new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Civic Centre Moss Vale. It will enable the acceleration of its fit-out to the highest standards, so the facility can become fully operational as soon as possible. In addition, Council committed $270K to establish the purpose-built emergency operations hub, to provide our community with assurance of a fully coordinated and efficient response to any future emergencies.
Council's team prioritised securing the additional funds to proceed with state-of-the-art technology, communications and equipment needed.
"This is a win for the whole community and strengthens our ties with neighbouring Wollondilly as we work together to establish a resilient network for resource sharing and mutual support," said Wingecarribee Shire Council Administrator Mr Viv May.
The 2021 Bushfire Response Recovery Review highlighted the need for an upgraded central operations facility to bring all of Wingecarribee Shire's emergency agencies together for a strategic and coordinated response to emergencies.
"Our project team invested a great deal of research into EOC's in other regions to benchmark plans for this new facility and has worked diligently to secure the funding needed to achieve a high-quality fit-out," Mr May said.
"These improvements will not only provide equipment and functional space for our emergency services during a disaster, but more resources will also mean improved safety and security for residents in townships and villages across the Shire," said Wendy Tuckerman MP, Member for Goulburn.
The facility is strategically located in proximity to the Incident Control Centre, RFS, SES and Police Headquarters. These multiple agencies will operate from the EOC in times of crisis, under the direction of the Police, as lead response agency. This eliminates the need to set-up a base and complex logistical arrangements when an emergency hits, enabling a more rapid and coordinated response with the capacity for sharing real-time data and information with the community.
"The EOC has been co-designed in close collaboration with the Local Emergency Operations Controller, Regional Emergency Management Officer and all local emergency response agencies, whose insights and expertise have been invaluable in ensuring a high-level outcome aligned with operational requirements," Mr May said.
Council's experience in emergency management has grown through collaboration with key stakeholders, enhancing our capability to respond effectively towards crises. This multifaceted approach ensures optimal use of resources for the benefit of our growing community.
The Infrastructure Grants Program funds important projects across the state, supporting organisations to create resilient, healthy and connected communities.
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