New Cooma Emergency Centre breaks ground

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Monaro Nichole Overall and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers today to turn the first sod on a new co-located Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centre.

“We know from the 2019-20 Black Summer bush fires we need to enhance our frontline capability, which includes having major emergency management hubs in key locations like Cooma,” Ms Cooke said.

“This Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centre will bring all our emergency services organisations under one roof, with the best technology and resources, to keep our communities safer and stronger from whatever hazards emerge.”

Mrs Overall said the impact of the 2019-20 Black Summer bush fires is still fresh in the minds of many, with more than 230,000 hectares burnt in the Snowy Monaro area.

“Our region endured some of the most devastating impacts of Black Summer and the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to making sure our communities are better prepared and better protected for future severe fire seasons,” Mrs Overall said.

Once completed, the Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centre will consist of:

• An operations and logistics centre;
• Two helipads;
• Vehicle bays and storage;
• Training rooms; and
• Administration offices.

Commissioner Rogers said the RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the facilities and equipment they need.

“I thank both Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Snow Hydro Limited which have been pivotal in securing the location for this new facility. This facility will ensure members of the 33 Brigades in this region have access to the latest technology and resources to respond to emergencies,” Commissioner Rogers said.