It's full steam ahead for the new Eurobodalla Emergency Services Precinct at Moruya, with the first sod on the $25 million project turned today (Tuesday 21 January).
The State and Federal government project is an investment in the safety of the South Coast community
The community has faced some of the most challenging and destructive fires in recent memory, including the 2019/20 Black Summer fires and the 2023 Coolagolite fires.
The new state-of-the-art centre will bring together multiple emergency service agencies, improving coordination and response times during emergencies.
The facility addresses a recommendation of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry to locate these facilities together to improve cross-agency coordination and ensure local communities are better prepared for future fire seasons and natural disasters.
The precinct will accommodate the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW State Emergency Service (SES), and other emergency services such as Fire and Rescue NSW and Marine Resue NSW, ensuring a faster, more coordinated response to local emergencies.
The facility is part of the NSW government’s broader strategy to strengthen regional resilience and protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure.
Up to 70 RFS personnel will be based on site, including Area Command and Planning and Environmental Services staff and Mitigation Crew members. The Moruya Rural Fire Service Brigade station will also be based in the precinct.
The project has been funded with $20 million in NSW Government funding for RFS infrastructure and a $5 million commitment from the Federal Government.
The new facility will replace the existing Moruya Fire Control Centre, which will remain in operation until the new facility opens in 2027.
After turning the first sod, NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the project was a "landmark investment by the NSW and Australian Governments in frontline emergency management capabilities, especially in an area that has been so heavily impacted by bushfires in recent years".
“It is an important milestone for the region and confirms this government’s commitment to disaster resilience and community safety," he said.
“This precinct will strengthen our ability to respond to these emergencies, ensuring that communities across Eurobodalla and the Bega Valley have the resources and coordinated support they need to face future challenges.
“With the lessons of past bushfires firmly in mind, we’re building a safer and better prepared region.”
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Black Summer bushfires were devastating and highlighted the need for a co-located facility where services could work together.
“There is no doubt, the resilience of our communities and the dedication of emergency services volunteers and workers has been remarkable," Mrs Phillips said.
“However, what was clear to me, from talking with emergency services personnel, was that the Eurobodalla needed its own Emergency Services Precinct and I’m happy to have fought for and delivered $5 million from the Albanese Government to help make this a reality.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said the sod turning was "the first step in bringing our emergency services together, providing cutting-edge technology and resources to better protect the Far South Coast community from disaster".
“Recent fires have had a devastating impact on our area and knowing that this project is moving forward will offer reassurance to the community in the Bega electorate.”
NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the new precinct would ensure volunteers and staff had the tools they need to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure during emergencies for years to come.
“I also extend my gratitude to Eurobodalla Shire Council, whose efforts have been instrumental in securing the location for this vital new facility,” he added.
Photos: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips joined NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, Member for Bega Michael Holland, RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers and Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Mathew Hatcher and emergency personnel at the sod turning.
