Wingecarribee Shire Council has officially opened of its new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The state-of-the-art facility, now fully operational, represents a significant milestone in enhancing the Shire’s preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies.
The official opening brought together key stakeholders, including Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin MP, local MPs Wendy Tuckerman and Judy Hannan, and Mal Lanyon, CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Wingecarribee Emergency Response Authorities, including Damien Johnston, State Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner, Paul McGuiggan, Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent Daniel Osborne, NSW Rural Fire Service , Superintendent Paul Condon, Hume Police District Commander and Superintendent John Klepczarek, Monaro Police District Commander.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Administrator Viv May emphasised that the EOC serves as a symbol of Council’s commitment to safety, but the true strength lies within the community and its dedicated volunteers.
Mr Lanyon stated that Council had recognised the importance of emergency responses by bringing the EOC facility into the Council building.
The establishment of the EOC fulfils a key recommendation from the independent “Bushfire Response & Recovery Review” commissioned by Council in response to the 2019/2020 bushfires.
The review, conducted by Dave Owens, identified the need for a dedicated space to ensure a rapid and coordinated response across agencies.
Dave Owens, Managing Director of Risk-e Business Consultants, remarked, “The facility addresses a critical finding in the review, ensuring a dedicated EOC for all emergency services and Council.” He further praised the facility as “first-rate” and fully capable of addressing the identified need.
The $560,000 EOC, located within the Moss Vale Civic Centre, is strategically positioned near critical response agencies like the Incident Control Centre, RFS, SES, and the Police Southern Highlands Headquarters and will facilitate a faster, more coordinated response during emergencies, allowing real-time data and information sharing with the community.
Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager, Lisa Miscamble, stated, “The new Emergency Operations Centre is a true hub of collaboration.”
“With advanced communication technology, emergency services can work together seamlessly during critical situations.”
“These advancements ensure the EOC remains adaptable and fully equipped to address any challenge our community may face and demonstrates Council’s commitment to emergency preparedness and response, in partnership with the local combat agencies,” she said.
