A new $28 million emergency services precinct will be built in the Sandhills Estate of Byron Bay housing NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW.
The state-of-the-art facility will bolster the capabilities of each agency to provide a stronger first-response and meet the needs of Byron's growing population.
The precinct will be centrally located adjacent to the CBD on a 6,500 square metre area of Crown land on Gilmore Crescent.
The new location will offer improved flood resilience and connectivity, and the building design will significantly improve operational and staff facilities while adhering to sustainable design principles.
Planning of the facility is underway with construction expected to begin in early 2026 following planning approvals.
To accommodate the development, Byron Shire Council will extend nearby Tennyson Street to meet Gilmore Crescent to support vehicle access to the precinct and ensure efficient emergency response times across the local area.
Crown Lands, the NSW Aboriginal land Council, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council have negotiated Aboriginal Land Agreements (ALAs) to settle outstanding Aboriginal land claims and interests on the Sandhills site. As part of the ALAs, the new emergency services precinct was secured.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"This collaboration between the NSW Police and Fire & Rescue will further strengthen their capability to serve and protect the Byron Bay community.
"Police and emergency services go above and beyond to make our community a safer place. We're making sure they have the resources and facilities to continue this important work."
"The Minns Labor Government is supporting out police like never before – we've secured a historic pay agreement, we're paying recruits to study and offering a pathway for them to work in or near their hometown after graduating the Goulburn Police Academy. There's never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"The NSW Government committed $8.2 million to the new Byron Bay fire station in this year's budget, reaffirming our commitment to rebuilding essential services across the state."
"This new facility will replace a building that is almost 50 years old and provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the community."
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities. It's great to see Crown land being utilised to deliver a range of benefits for critical emergency services, Aboriginal outcomes, community recreation and environmental protection."
"I thank the NSW agencies, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Byron Shire Council for working together to secure an outcome that puts the needs of the community and our social infrastructure first."
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:
"This new precinct will not only ensure rapid responses to emergencies but will also support general duties policing and crime prevention taskings, with better operational and staff facilities."
"The facilities will be modern, in a centralised location with better connectivity, and mean we are better able to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both locals and visitors."
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said:
"The new precinct is a step forward in enhancing FRNSW's emergency response capabilities in the region."
"This exciting project equips our firefighters with the modern tools and resources they need to better protect and service the community.
"The design will include enhanced training spaces, separate male and female changerooms, separate work and clean areas that adhere to FRNSW's 'Clean Fire Fighter' policy and will provide enhanced capacity to meet future needs."
