South Australia’s emergency services agencies are on the cusp of permanently uniting under one roof for the first time in state history.
Earthquake resistant with a self-sufficient power source and soon to be filled with high-tech command centre equipment and firefighting assets, construction of the new $80 million purpose-built headquarters is powering ahead supporting more than 250 jobs, injecting millions into the local economy and future-proofing South Australia’s capability to respond to emergencies.
Premier Steven Marshall and Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia toured the site today for a first-hand look at the progression of the crucial project.
“We are building what matters, supporting the local economy with the creation of more than 250 jobs and uniting the CFS, MFS, SES and SAFECOM under one roof to better protect South Australians,” Premier Marshall said.
“This critical piece of infrastructure for our state is well on track to be finished before South Australia’s next fire danger season and will be a huge weapon for our amazing emergency service workers and volunteers to protect lives.”
Minister Tarzia said the build is progressing rapidly at the World Park Precinct in Keswick and is expected to be delivered by the 2021/22 bushfire season.
“This crucial building forms part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to enhance and support the state’s vital emergency services,” Minister Tarzia said.
“Delivering this state-of-the-art building in time for the next bushfire season means our Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel will be better prepared for catastrophic events like bushfires, floods and storms.
“The building has a post-disaster Importance Level 4 rating, which allows the ESS staff and volunteers to continue their paramount work up to 48 hours in isolation, even during times where major infrastructure may fail.”
SAFECOM Project Manager Joan Dobbie said the new headquarters will significantly improve the way the ESS safeguards the community.
“The new headquarters and State Control Centre is a much-needed facility for the ESS and will provide enhanced technology for staff and volunteers in their incredibly important roles,” Ms Dobbie said.
“It’s exciting to know how much closer we are to ensuring our state’s ESS staff and volunteers are equipped with the enhanced capabilities they need to serve the South Australian community.”
The building spans over 5,500 square metres and will house five heavy tankers and a bulk carrier on standby for operational deployment.
The CFS State Operations Support Brigade and SES State Operations Support Unit will join the more than 300 staff moving to the headquarters, along with the SES Volunteer Association, CFS Volunteer Association and CFS Foundation.
