The state government will provide $13 million over four years for the fit-out of a new State Emergency Services headquarters, which will be located in the Illawarra.
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A government spokesman said tenders had already been called for the project, which would consolidate the region’s strong SES presence. An exact location for the headquarters had not been decided upon.
Emergency services have been further strengthened in the region with $2.29 million yesterday announced for the new Albion Park fire station, which is set to be completed this financial year.
Just over $200,000 of the total $2.5 million cost was earmarked for the station in the 2012-13 budget.
Picton is also set to receive a new fire station, with $1.2 million of the total $2.35 million allocated for the project in the 2013-2014 budget. It was part of a total $18 million commitment to new or continuing works to build and refurbish fire stations across NSW.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher said this year’s budget would strengthen the capabilities of emergency services right across NSW.
‘‘Today's budget has allocated $53.5 million over five years, including $4.9 million in 2013-14, for the replacement of vital operational communications equipment for the NSW SES,’’ Mr Gallacher said.
‘‘The budget also provides $7.6 million for the replacement of 7000 structural firefighting helmets for Fire and Rescue NSW.
‘‘A further $12 million has also been allocated for the ongoing replacement of essential firefighting appliances for FRNSW.’’In other emergency services measures announced in the state budget, the Rural Fire Service will receive $35 million to continue their work reducing fire hazards while funding has been provided to buy a medium utility helicopter to assist the RFS to fight fires in remote and hard-to-access locations.
The state government will also release $22 million from the Strategic Disaster Readiness Package, as part of the $96 million committed in 2012-13, to be prepared for when disasters strike.
‘‘The Strategic Disaster Readiness Package ensures the SES has the vital resources and capabilities to help prevent and respond to flood and storm events,’’ Mr Gallacher said.
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