In an announcement jointly made by the Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese Labor and NSW Labor leader, Chris Minns, the Eurobodalla region has been given a commitment of $25 million to an Emergency Operations Precinct in Moruya, including a much needed Emergency Operations Centre.
Reviews into the tragic 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires have shown a purpose-built emergency services precinct is needed. A single, purpose-built operations centre will help local emergency services personnel plan for and respond to disasters more efficiently, potentially saving lives and properties across the region.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said, “For more than eight years the message from local residents, Eurobodalla Shire Council, emergency services workers and volunteers has been, whilst much loved, the Moruya RSL Hall is not fit for purpose as an emergency management centre. Labor’s commitment will ensure that locals are better protected from the natural disasters we know are coming.”
“This critical piece of infrastructure aligns with recommendations from the Commonwealth Royal Commission, and the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and will save lives during the next disaster that we all know is coming.”
Touring the current Operations Centre in Moruya on Thursday were Anthony Albanese MP, Leader Of The Australian Labor Party, Chris Minns, Leader Of The New South Wales Labor Party, Fiona Phillips MP, Member For Gilmore and Kristy McBain MP Member For Eden-Monaro. Joining them also were Senator Murray Watt, Shadow Minister For Disaster And Emergency Management and Labor candidate for the seat of Bega, Dr Michael Holland.
The Emergency Operations Precinct, to be based in Moruya, would include an Emergency Operations Centre to ensure the community is better prepared and protected from future bushfire and flood risks.
Currently, disaster response in the region is coordinated from separate sites, including a temporary facility in the local RSL hall.
A single, purpose-built operations centre will help local emergency services personnel plan for and respond to disasters more efficiently, potentially saving lives and properties across the region.
Labor’s announcement that it will commit $25 million to an Emergency Operations Precinct in Moruya is an echo of the New South Wales Government’s multi-million dollar investment in Emergency Management Centres according to the Liberal Party though.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said Federal and State Labor’s announcement was yet another ‘me too’ copycat of government policy.
“They have been pushing for change, yet are following in the footsteps of their opposition.”
Earlier this week, the New South Wales Government committed an additional $31 million for the construction of three new co-located Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Fire Control Centres (FCC) at Moruya, Tumut and Hawkesbury, including $15 million for Moruya.
Reviews into the tragic 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires have shown a purpose-built emergency services precinct is needed.
Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese said, “Thousands of Australians who face bushfires, floods and cyclones every year deserve to be protected by a Federal Government who plans ahead and invests to keep them safe.
“These investments will literally save lives, not to mention the taxpayers’ funds that have to be spent on recovery and repairs when disasters hit.”
“In remembering the horrific summer of 2019/2020, we owe it to this community to ensure all possible resilience and protection efforts are taken to prevent those same experiences ever tearing a community apart again,” said NSW Labor leader Chris Minns.
“We may not be able to control natural disasters, but we do have the ability to minimise their impact and to ensure coordinated responses.”
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said, “For more than eight years the message from local residents, Eurobodalla Shire Council, emergency services workers and volunteers has been, whilst much loved, the Moruya RSL Hall is not fit for purpose as an emergency management centre.
“Labor’s commitment will ensure that locals are better protected from the natural disasters we know are coming.”
Dr Michael Holland, NSW Labor candidate for Bega said, “This precinct will be critical in providing support to emergency services and the community the next time natural disasters strike.
“But, it should not have to take a by-election for the NSW Government to act. This community deserves better”.
Image Credit: Fiona Phillips / Facebook
