Albany's State Emergency Service will receive a new facility by the middle of next year that can also be used as a Level 3 Incident Control Centre to help with large-scale emergencies such as bushfires.
The new build, estimated to cost up to $3 million, is part of the McGowan Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, which includes a $13 million support package for urgent minor works and upgrades at volunteer emergency services facilities.
There is also $2 million to provide water tanks across the State.
The new Albany SES facility will include a big response building, separate administration building, indoor and outdoor training areas and a six-vehicle bay garage that can house the region's Incident Control Vehicle.
The new facility can also be used as a Level 3 Incident Control Centre for the Great Southern region to help co-ordinate a multi-agency response to large-scale emergencies.
The Albany SES Unit has 55 active volunteers and 10 vehicles operating out of its current station, which is no longer fit-for-purpose.
The new facility will provide volunteers with modern and comfortable amenities as well capacity for the unit to increase membership and cater for the growing needs of the region.
The new facility is scheduled to be completed by July 2022.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
"Albany SES Unit provides an invaluable service to the local community and broader region with the unit responding to 20 incidents last year including severe storms and land searches.
"A new, state-of-the-art headquarters will give volunteers the capacity and resources they need to better serve this growing region and conduct co-ordinated operations with other local emergency services.
"The new facility will provide a modern and comfortable headquarters for volunteers, many of whom have served the community for more than 20 years."
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
"Our local SES volunteers have done a fantastic job over the years and they deserve nothing but the best in terms of facilities.
"This new headquarters will mean they have a building that better caters for their needs while they carry out their vital work for our community."
