Construction is progressing on a new $6.2 million State Emergency Service (SES) facility in Murwillumbah, aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities across the Tweed and Northern Rivers.
The purpose-built facility on Old Lismore Road is expected to be completed in early 2027, providing local SES volunteers with improved resources to respond to floods, storms and other emergencies.
The NSW Government has committed $3.85 million towards the project, with Tweed Shire Council contributing a further $2.35 million.
The new building will replace the existing Murwillumbah SES headquarters, which volunteers have outgrown and which no longer meets the unit’s operational requirements.
The facility will feature expanded garage bays, improved training spaces, dedicated operational rooms, upgraded amenities and remotely accessible delivery bays.
The additional space is expected to improve volunteers’ ability to train, prepare equipment and coordinate emergency responses, particularly during severe weather events.
Over the past three years, the Murwillumbah SES Unit has responded to almost 850 incidents, predominantly involving storms and flooding.
The region’s emergency response capabilities have also been strengthened with the delivery of a specialised High Clearance Vehicle (HCV), based in Murwillumbah.
Similar vehicles have been deployed to flood and storm-prone areas across NSW to support emergency operations during severe weather.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the new facility would provide essential support for volunteers responding to emergencies across the region.
“Our investment in the SES underscores our commitment to ensuring NSW communities have safe, reliable and high-performing equipment and facilities.” said Dib.
“It is fantastic to see construction progressing on this important project and to see firsthand what the new facility will deliver for NSW SES volunteers and the Murwillumbah community.
“Our SES volunteers give so much to their communities, particularly during the floods and severe weather events the Northern Rivers has experienced in recent years, and these facilities will support them to continue to do their jobs safely and effectively.
“This new unit will provide volunteers with the modern training, operational and equipment spaces they need to respond when their community needs them most.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the investment was particularly important for Northern Rivers communities that had experienced repeated flooding and severe weather.
“Communities across the Northern Rivers know just how important our NSW SES volunteers are when severe weather strikes, and this new facility is an important investment in our region’s emergency response capability.” said Saffin.
“The new Murwillumbah Unit will give our local volunteers a fit-for-purpose home base, with the space and facilities they need to train, prepare equipment and coordinate operations.
“This is about making sure the people who are there for our community in times of emergency have the infrastructure they need behind them.”
NSW SES acting Commissioner Daniel Austin said the upgraded facilities would significantly improve working conditions and operational capacity for local volunteers.
“Our Murwillumbah volunteers play a critical role in protecting the local community, responding to floods, storms and a range of other emergencies.” said Austin.
“This new facility will make a significant difference to our members, providing expanded vehicle and equipment space, dedicated operational areas and better facilities for training.
“We are grateful for the investment from the NSW Government and Tweed Shire Council and look forward to seeing our volunteers operating from their new home.”
Tweed Shire Mayor Reece Byrnes said the project recognised the dedication of SES volunteers, particularly during the devastating floods of 2017 and 2022.
“Having worked with many members of the Murwillumbah SES unit, I fully understand how much this new facility will mean to all the volunteers.
“Their tireless efforts during the course of natural disasters, such as our floods of 2017 and 2022, are deeply appreciated by our community, and this new, modern home base, will ensure their service and dedication is fully recognised.
“I also hope that it may encourage more members of our community to consider volunteering for the SES which does such an amazing job in times of crisis.”
The new Murwillumbah SES facility is scheduled for completion in early 2027, providing a permanent, modern headquarters for volunteers serving the Tweed community.
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