Experts from across the NSW Government have been brought together under one roof to lead the State’s coordinated, emergency response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Starting this week, experts from more than 20 critical agencies including Police, Education and Transport will join NSW Health in the purpose-built operations centre at the Rural Fire Services headquarters in Homebush.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) would allow all arms of government to respond quickly to COVID-19.
“Having all of our experts across many government agencies under the one roof will allow us to respond quickly to this emerging health crisis in a coordinated way,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said this was another proactive step from the NSW Government to slow the spread of COVID-19
“Embedding Health operations teams with other critical agencies will ensure clear, up-to-date information and communication to action decisions to protect the wider community,” Minister Hazzard said.
The SEOC will be led by Deputy Police Commissioner, Gary Worboys, who said this will be a central hub where experts can monitor the situation in real time and coordinate response efforts.
“The SEOC will be operating 24/7, with the team accessing the advanced technology at RFS headquarters, including live information, intelligence sharing, digital mapping, as well as public information and media broadcasting resources so we can quickly get critical information to the public,” Mr Worboys said.
“COVID-19 is affecting so many parts of our state, from transport to education and business, and it is critical for the SEOC to bring everyone together to share information, develop effective plans and take immediate action.”
