newy.com.au – Construction has begun on a new NSW State Emergency Service Northern Zone headquarters at Black Hill, backed by $4 million in state funding to expand coordination of major flood and storm responses across the Hunter and surrounding regions.
The NSW Government says the facility will replace the current headquarters at Metford and be four times its size, making it the largest SES zone headquarters in the state.
Zone headquarters support local SES units during large or complex emergencies requiring coordination beyond the local level. The Northern Zone includes 32 SES units across 15 local government areas, stretching from the Central Coast to Nambucca Heads and taking in the Hunter.
The Black Hill facility will include an incident control centre able to accommodate more than 75 people, a flood rescue coordination centre and dedicated work areas for partner agencies. These spaces are designed to help emergency services manage their response together during major incidents.
The project also includes a media room, an audiovisual wall display and improved storage for additional vehicles and equipment. Upgraded technology and amenities are intended to support staff and partner agencies during prolonged operations.
“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,” NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston said.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib described the existing facility as outdated and said the new headquarters would give volunteers and staff better facilities and resources.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the facility was intended to meet current operational needs and support the Northern Zone as the population grew.
The Black Hill project forms part of the state government’s $24 million investment to upgrade five SES zone headquarters. The announcement did not include a completion date.
