Work to strengthen bushfire preparedness is accelerating across regional NSW, with a particular focus on the state’s north coast as part of a $34.5 million investment in new and upgraded NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) facilities.
The State Government has committed the funding this financial year to advance 28 projects statewide, including six new combined Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres and 18 new rural fire stations.
On the north coast, construction of a new Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centre at Clarence Valley is well advanced. The centre will play a critical role in coordinating responses not only to bushfires but also to major storm and flood events, which frequently affect communities across the region.
Across NSW, similar centres are under construction at Cooma and Namoi-Gwydir, with planning underway for additional facilities at Eurobodalla, Tumut and the Hawkesbury. A new RFS office complex is also being planned at Brewarrina, incorporating a station, mitigation crew base and office space to support remote brigades in the far west.
The Clarence Valley facility forms part of a broader push to bolster frontline capacity in high-risk areas, particularly as the north coast continues to contend with overlapping natural hazards. Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres are strategically located to support disaster planning and operational coordination across fire districts, and are delivered in partnership with local councils.
To support volunteers on the ground, 18 new rural fire brigade stations are being built and four others upgraded. Among them are facilities at Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast and Wilberforce in the Hawkesbury, as well as stations at Surf Beach on the South Coast, Dunmore at Shellharbour and Carabost in the Riverina. Projects are at varying stages, from early planning to active construction, and will be rolled out progressively as approvals and tenders are finalised.
The government says the infrastructure program complements significant ongoing investment in new firefighting trucks, improved fireground communications technology, aviation capability and enhanced brigade equipment.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the summer season had already underscored the importance of volunteer firefighters across NSW, including in regional communities.
“This summer has already served as a reminder of our reliance on our volunteer firefighters, who have tirelessly responded to bush fire emergencies in both NSW, Victoria and beyond,” Mr Dib said.
“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring our volunteers have what they need to do their job; our focus on the state’s firefighting capability reflects our deep respect for the people who step up when it matters most.
“We are planning for the future and investing in firefighting facilities so they have the infrastructure they need, both on the fireground and to coordinate effective emergency response operations.
“Rural firefighting response has been a partnership with local government for one hundred years and I thank councils for their shared contribution in keeping communities safe.”
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the funding would directly support volunteers’ operational effectiveness.
“These investments make a real difference to our members on the ground. Better stations, new Fire Control Centres and modern trucks all contribute to safer, more effective firefighting operations,” Commissioner Curtin said.
“Our volunteers deserve our support and this funding helps ensure they have it. We’re grateful for the continued partnership between government and councils in delivering these vital projects.”
The investment reflects a continued emphasis on strengthening emergency service capability in regional areas, with the north coast among the regions set to benefit from upgraded infrastructure aimed at improving firefighter safety, operational readiness and community protection.
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