The Minns Labor Government has started construction on a new NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) Northern Zone Headquarters, which will become the largest Zone HQ in the state.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $4 million into the purpose-built facility at Black Hill, which will be four times the size of the current headquarters at Metford and feature modern operational facilities designed to manage large-scale emergencies.

Further strengthening interagency coordination during floods, storms and other emergencies, the project is part of the Government’s $24 million investment to upgrade five NSW SES Zone Headquarters, ensuring emergency services can respond to increasingly complex weather events.

The NSW SES Northern Zone spans 15 Local Government Areas and includes 32 SES units from the Central Coast to Nambucca Heads and west to Wauchope and Cessnock City.

NSW SES zone headquarters support emergency response to large or complex incidents like floods or storms that need coordination above the local level.

The upgraded, fit-for-purpose hub will boast:

• A state-of-the-art Incident Control Centre that can accommodate more than 75 people, including a multi-screen audio visual wall display, a media room and Flood Rescue Coordination Centre. The facility also includes working areas for partner agencies during major emergency incidents to improve coordination of response.
• Specially design work areas that enhance operational response and management of the largest weather events, particularly critical areas such as flood rescue coordination.
• Upgraded technology and amenities to support staff and partner agencies during prolonged, high-pressure operations.
• Improved warehouse and storage facilities to house additional fleet vehicles and equipment. 
  This multi-million dollar fit-for-purpose facility equips Northern Zone members to lead major multi-agency operations, reinforce emergency planning, coordination and support, and protect local communities during floods, storms and other emergency incidents.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“When severe weather and emergencies strike, communities rely on the NSW SES. This new headquarters will ensure teams have the facilities, resources and support they need to continue being there for communities when it matters most.

“This facility will provide a modern hub, replacing an outdated facility and equipping our volunteers and staff with the tools they need to complete their highly-skilled and life-saving work.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“This is an important investment in our region. This new facility is focused on further enhancing our interagency response across the Hunter and supporting our volunteers’ ability to respond safely and effectively to where they are needed most.

“Importantly this facility will not only meet the current operational needs, but as the population grows, equip the Northern Zone to respond to emergency incidents well into the future.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“When the floods and storms hit us hard in the Hunter, our hardworking SES volunteers step up and support our communities. The Minns Labor Government is delivering new state-of-the-art Hunter headquarters, so they're better equipped to respond to extreme weather events, giving local families greater peace of mind.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“Our SES volunteers are there for our communities when we need them most, and this investment by the Minns Labor Government will give them the modern facilities and resources they need to keep families across Maitland and the Hunter safe.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
“Many locals rely on the SES during times of emergency, and many volunteer for the SES. This upgrade of Zone Headquarters will certainly be welcomed by residents, businesses, and volunteers alike.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“This new facility is an investment in the people who give their time to help Cessnock and wider Hunter communities. I’m proud that the Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering state of the art, modern facilities to support our dedicated volunteers, who are at the very heart of what the NSW SES does.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said: 
“Our SES volunteers are local heroes, and the NSW Labor Government is backing them with a much-deserved state-of-the-art facility that will help them better protect the wider Hunter community.”

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner, Damien Johnston said:
"Once construction is complete, the Northern Zone headquarters will have one of the largest and most sophisticated Emergency Incident Control Centres in regional NSW and is the largest NSW SES Zone HQ in the State. During major weather-related emergencies, the new headquarters will strengthen coordination between NSW SES and our partner agencies, providing the facilities and operational environment needed to support a coordinated response when communities need us most.”