The Illawarra has shared in more than $1 billion of investment into NSW emergency services, with refurbishments of Wollongong Fire Station and a new headquarters for the State Emergency Service.
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The state budget included $1.14 billion for emergency services, with $17 million for new Fire Rescue vehicles and $10 million for aircraft for the Rural Fire Service to fight bushfires in remote areas.
Budget papers included over $7.2 million for a "new headquarters" in Wollongong for the SES.
SES corporate communications manager Phil Campbell said the agency would use the cash to fit out a new building, and were investigating options including constructing a specially-designed complex and also refurbishing an existing building.
"We're still looking at finding an appropriate site. It has to be robustly designed and appropriate for emergency services, so we can continue to operate during an emergency," he said.
Wollongong fire station has received $500,000 as part of a total $4.95 million to be allocated by 2018. Wollongong station officer Greg Shepherd was surprised to hear the news, but said the station was in need of an upgrade.
"Our station has outgrown itself. We have grown many times over the years, and many of the changes in our technology don't fit with the building," he said.
"We are looking at a more comprehensive, user-friendly station. As the role of Fire Rescue NSW has evolved over the years, bits have been tacked on everywhere."
