Emergency response in Goulburn and surrounds has been bolstered with a new purpose-built NSW State Emergency Service (SES) facility and Emergency Operations Centre officially opened today.
The new facilities are fit-for-purpose and follow an investment of more than $4 million from the Australian and NSW Governments and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
“The NSW SES plays a vital role in times of crisis. They need the right facilities to do the job,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“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.”
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.
The modern amenities replace the Goulburn NSW SES unit’s former home inside a tin shed.
“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,” said Goulburn-Mulwaree Council Mayor, Nina Dillon.
“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.”
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.
“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,” said NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM.
“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.”
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.
