Lismore will get a new incident control center in an effort to increase the presence of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) in the northern rivers after the devastating floods.
Key points:
- Deputy Prime Minister says funding will increase SES capacity to deal with severe weather events
- SES Commissioner Carlene York welcomed the announcement
- Nine flood-related deaths were reported across the state
The new center is part of a $ 132.7 million funding boost announced by the state government for infrastructure, resources and staffing for statewide SES organizations.
Deputy Prime Minister Paul Toole said the funding would ensure a more specific and faster response from the SES to future emergency events.
“The new facilities and additional staff will help increase the SES ‘ability to handle severe weather events, especially in flood-prone areas such as northern rivers, and to ensure that these communities are better prepared,” Toole said. .
Emergency services have become a priority in this year’s budget and the government pledged about $ 200 million to the Rural Fire Service in a separate announcement yesterday.
“Our SES volunteers are there for our families and communities in times of need,” said Treasurer Matt Kean.
“This record investment is about investing in them and building the resilience of the community to natural disasters.”
Northern rivers were hit by two floods this year. (Supplied by: NSW SES Lismore)
Northern Rivers residents were affected by two flood events in February and March.
Hundreds lost their homes and businesses, with many still displaced in emergency accommodation while cleaning continues.
Nine flood-related deaths were reported across the state.
The SES faced intense criticism for its delayed response during the Lismore floods in February after it was flooded with calls.
Many residents lost their homes and businesses while cleaning continued. (ABC News: Tara Cassidy)
Many residents had to be rescued from what became known as the “small army”, where locals with boats picked up people from their rooftops or flooded homes that had often been stranded for hours.
More than $ 11 million will go to the creation of centers in two new areas with the capacity to respond to Level 3 emergencies, one of which will be built and staffed in Lismore.
The budget allocation also allows for a $ 58.7 million upgrade to 18 critical priority unit facilities across the state with millions more to divide areas and improve its headquarters facilities.
SES Commissioner Carlene York welcomed the news saying the funding would create the organization for the future.
“This investment in SES enhances our support for our largest asset, our volunteers,” Ms. York said.
“It allows us to provide the vital assistance that the communities of New South Wales need to protect life and property across the state.”