Emergency response in Goulburn and surrounds has been bolstered with a new, purpose-built NSW State Emergency Service (SES) facility and Emergency Operations Centre, enabling emergency services to better protect lives and communities in the region.
The new facilities are fit-for-purpose and follow an investment of more than $4 million from the Federal Labor Government, Minns Labor Government and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The new SES unit headquarters accommodates rescue vehicles and specialist equipment and has training space for volunteers.
Additional parking, increased storage, a communications room, change room facilities, rescue equipment and a sand bunker for sandbagging operations are also part of the new facility.
These modern amenities replace the Goulburn NSW SES unit's former home inside a tin shed.
Also included on the site is a shared, state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre. This allows all emergency services to coordinate, communicate and respond to disasters under the one roof.
The Emergency Operations Centre was previously inside the local council chambers and was not fit-for-purpose.
The NSW SES Goulburn unit building is jointly funded by the NSW Government, Commonwealth Government and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The NSW Government contributed $2,150,000 to the build, while the Commonwealth Government committed $1,495,000 to the project, and Goulburn Mulwaree Council allocated $725,500.
The facility is one of 18 SES units to be upgraded across the state, funded by a $58.7 million package from the NSW Government.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said:
"The NSW SES plays a vital role in times of crisis. They need the right facilities to do the job.
"This investment boosts the Goulburn unit of the NSW SES to respond to flooding and other emergencies.
"We are backing the NSW SES so our volunteers can better serve people across Goulburn and surrounds."
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said:
"This new facility has been purpose built and designed with operational experience gained during past natural disasters to support our emergency service response.
"By delivering this new facility for our local SES volunteers they can continue to provide the highest level of service to the local community during times of need, as well as provide planning and coordination of emergency events during floods and storms."
Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said:
"Having operational staff and volunteers co-located during an emergency was essential in other parts of the electorate during the Black Summer bushfires.
"I know first-hand how much this new facility will streamline processes when the community needs it most - and I'm proud to have helped deliver it."
NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM, said:
"This new unit headquarters will ensure our SES members have the facilities they require and will enable them to better support local communities when they need our assistance.
"In the past year alone, the Goulburn Unit has responded to about 150 calls for assistance, including flood rescues, land searches, storm response and general land rescue incidents."
Goulburn-Mulwaree Council Mayor, Nina Dillon, said:
"As a Council, we are proud to see the official opening of this vital new facility, which is a direct result of our ongoing commitment to the safety and future of our community.
"The new NSW State Emergency Service Unit and Emergency Operations Centre will serve as a hub of preparedness and support for our emergency services. This milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal levels of government, and it marks a major step in our shared vision of a more resilient and safer region for all."
