The $5.9 million precinct at Surf Beach provides a modern, shared base for Batemans Bay SES Unit alongside the Surf Beach RFS Brigade volunteers supporting the Eurobodalla community, improving coordination and capability across emergencies including bush fires, storms and floods.
Designed for operational needs, the precinct includes vehicle bays, training and operations areas, modern communications and improved volunteer amenities like change rooms and laundry.
The NSW SES facility includes garages to house the new generation of NSW SES rescue vehicles and boats, rescue equipment storage, offices, a training room and kitchen.
The RFS facility provides a modern base for the Surf Beach Brigade, with three truck bays, equipment storage, training and meeting areas, supporting frontline firefighting capability and volunteer readiness.
The project is an upgrade to the previous RFS station and replaces the Batemans Bay SES headquarters, which was destroyed during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. Since then, SES volunteers have operated from a temporary location while continuing to support the community during major weather events.
The Surf Beach Emergency Services Precinct was delivered through a partnership between the Australian Government, NSW Government, the SES, RFS and Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Co-location of both agencies will support stronger collaboration through shared training, planning and coordinated operational response across the region.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said:
"This new purpose-built facility will be a great asset to the local community and help coordinate emergency response crews during times of natural disaster.
"Communities all along the Far South Coast will benefit from this upgrade during times of bush fires, storms and floods.
"The Albanese Government is committed to improving facilities for our first responders so they have the capability they need to respond and keep the community safe."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"The Batemans Bay SES Unit and the Surf Beach RFS Brigade always put their community first - something they showed in the most extraordinary way during the Black Summer fires.
"Co-locating the NSW SES and NSW RFS in a modern, purpose-built facility strengthens coordination between our emergency services and ensures a faster, more effective response when the community needs help most.
"This new emergency services precinct represents a significant investment in community safety and will give our dedicated volunteers the facilities and equipment needed to continue protecting communities across the Eurobodalla."
Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said:
"Our SES and RFS volunteers are some of the most highly valued members of our community, and in regional areas, we really do rely on them not just in times of natural disasters, but responding to road accidents, helping run local events, and during search and rescues.
"Batemans Bay first responders were there for us to rely on in some of our darkest and hardest times - during the 2019-2020 bushfires - when they stepped up and literally put their lives on the line to save their neighbours.
"I'm so proud to see the doors open on this magnificent, modern facility, and to be part of the Albanese Labor Government that continues to support our incredible volunteers and emergency service workers."
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM:
"This is a major milestone for our local volunteers who have served their community during flood and storms over the past six years, despite losing their previous headquarters in the Black Summer fires.
"This new facility gives our volunteers a modern, fit-for-purpose base and ensures our crews have the resources, space and capability they need to respond quickly to floods, storms and rescues across the Eurobodalla.
"Not only that, but they have room to run training exercises, plan out operational activities and response, and an area to rest, reset and restock."
Quotes attributable to NSW RFS Commissioner, Trent Curtin:
"This facility strengthens the RFS's ability to support the Eurobodalla community, giving local volunteers the infrastructure they need to respond to bush fires and other emergencies.
"Working alongside the NSW SES enhances coordination and improves how we respond to complex incidents.
"It ensures our volunteers are supported, trained and ready to protect their communities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:
"This new Emergency Services Precinct at Surf Beach is a significant investment in the safety and resilience of the Eurobodalla community. Bringing the SES and RFS together in a contemporary, purpose-built facility strengthens coordination and ensures fast and effective responses when they are needed.
"After the loss of the Batemans Bay SES headquarters during the Black Summer fires, it's incredibly important that our volunteers have a fit-for-purpose base with the equipment, training spaces and amenities they need to do their vital work.
"Our SES and RFS volunteers are the backbone of emergency response on the Far South Coast. This precinct recognises their dedication and ensures they are supported to protect our community into the future."
