The works have delivered extensive repairs and refurbishments to the joint NSW SES and RFS facility at Nabiac, and a brand-new facility for the NSW SES Stroud Unit.
The projects were funded by the NSW Government as part of a $58.7 million NSW SES funding package to upgrade 18 priority units across the state.
The Nabiac NSW SES facility has been improved through a refurbished garage, kitchen, bathroom, administration and enhanced security arrangements. There's also a new concrete sandpit to streamline sandbag making, replacing the previous open pile of sand.
While construction is still underway at the Stroud SES Unit, the upgrades will double the size of the former building, allowing for improved safety standards and the installation of new technology to access emergency operation systems. There will also be more space to house the newest generation of flood and storm response vehicles and vessels.
The upgrades bring both facilities up to current operational standards and provide volunteers with a safer, more practical base for emergency response, training, and equipment maintenance.
The Nabiac and Stroud NSW SES units provide critical storm response, flood rescue, flood boat operations, communications, incident management, and interagency support.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"This upgrade is an important investment in the safety of our SES volunteers and the community on the Mid North Coast.
"Volunteers at the Nabiac and Stroud SES give their time and skills to help others in times of crisis. We're making sure they have the resources they need to so they can focus on protecting our local communities.
"The new amenities, increased space, and improved operational technology are all practical changes that will make a real difference in how the units operate day to day and enhance their emergency service response."
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Northern Zone Commander, Chief Superintendent Andrew Cribb:
"Our members work tirelessly to protect their community - from storm response to flood rescue - and it's essential they have a functional, fit-for-purpose bases to operate from.
"The improvements we've made at the Nabiac and Stroud Units will allow local volunteers to train more effectively, store and maintain equipment safely, and respond even more efficiently when the community needs them most.
"Our SES volunteers at Nabiac and Stroud have responded to back-to-back weather events in their communities this year, so these facility improvements will go a long way to boosting morale and operational capability."
