The Minns Labor Government is investing $24 million to upgrade five NSW SES Zone Headquarters across the state, with Wagga Wagga now home to one of the most advanced emergency coordination facilities in regional NSW.
From major floods events to severe storms, the new headquarters will support emergency operations across one of NSW’s largest and most diverse regions, helping coordinate responses, during and after disasters.
The redeveloped facility on Fernleigh Road features a purpose-built, Level 3 Incident Control Centre (ICC), expanded training spaces, and modernised operational facilities designed to manage large-scale emergencies.
A Level 3 ICC is a facility used to accommodate an Incident Management Team (IMT) during preparation for or response to a large or complex incident (storm of flooding event).
The NSW SES Southern Zone covers a large footprint, spanning 27 Local Government Areas and 43 NSW SES Units across the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Upper Murray, and Central Murray River catchments.
The upgraded, fit-for-purpose hub includes:
– A state-of-the-art Incident Control Centre for seamless multi-agency coordination;
– Dedicated work zones for specialised flood rescue coordination and public information operations; and
– Upgraded technology and amenities to support volunteers, staff, and partner agencies during prolonged, high-pressure operations.
This significant upgrade equips Southern Zone SES members with the technology and space required to lead major operations and protect communities before, during, and after floods and storms.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
“The is an investment in preparedness. The outcome of every major emergency depends on good decisions made quickly and this facility will help make that happen.
“The public will often only see the response on the ground, but behind every major emergency is a dedicated team coordinating crews and resources, and making critical decisions.
“This new headquarters at Wagga Wagga strengthens that coordination, helping emergency services support communities more effectively during major incidents.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services are equipped to meet the challenges of the future to continue protecting the people of NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:
“Communities across our region know how vital the SES is during floods and storms. This new HQ ensures our dedicated volunteers have what they need to coordinate major emergency responses.”
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM:
“This upgraded facility is a significant investment in the future of emergency management and reflects the growing demands placed on our volunteers and staff.
“The new Level 3 Incident Control Centre gives us the space, technology and capability needed to coordinate large-scale, multi-agency responses to floods, storms and other emergencies.
“Importantly, this headquarters will also support our people outside of major events, providing improved training, planning and operational spaces that strengthen our preparedness year-round.”
