A new Zone of operations has been established by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) to enhance emergency response to storms and floods as part of a $132.7 million investment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the North Western Zone will be based in Tamworth, with more than 40 permanent staffing roles to be created.
"Following the devastating flooding in February and March last year, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government announced the single biggest investment in the SES in its 56-year history, with the creation of two new Zones a key part of this funding," Ms Cooke said.
"The new North Western Zone's headquarters in Tamworth will see the establishment of a Level 3 Incident Control Centre which will be able to coordinate large-scale emergency responses to storms and floods across a significant part of our State."
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said employing more SES staff in regional NSW will better support frontline volunteers.
"Our SES volunteers do an incredible job in the face of incredibly dangerous and hazardous conditions," Mr Anderson said.
"There are many in our communities who owe their lives to the SES so it's only right that we give them the facilities and tools they need to do the job."
The North Western Zone, which takes in Mungindi, Pilliga and Tambar Springs in the west through to Walcha, Glen Innes and Tenterfield in the east, will be led by Chief Superintendent Tammy Sheply, who begins in the role today following 18 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy.
SES Commissioner Carlene York said the agency is committed to providing the highest level of service to the NSW community.
"Over the coming months we will be building a strong team of local staff to manage incidents throughout the North Western Zone, and provide the best support we possibly can to our wonderful SES volunteers and the wider community," Commissioner York said.
The North Western Zone headquarters will be temporarily located at Tamworth Airport while a permanent facility is constructed.
