*** MEDIA RELEASE ***
17 February 2026
Work is underway to boost the safety of regional communities across the state with the development of 28 new or upgraded bush fire and emergency facilities.
The Minns Labor Government has committed more than $34.5 million this year to progress work on NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) facilities including six new combined Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres and 18 new rural fire stations.
This includes a new brigade station at Dunmore.
Construction of new Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres at Cooma, Clarence Valley and Namoi-Gwydir is well advanced, with planning work progressing for new facilities at Eurobodalla, Tumut and the Hawkesbury.
A new RFS office complex is also being planned at Brewarrina which will provide a station, mitigation crew base and office facilities to support remote brigades in the state’s far west.
The new centres will be critical in coordinating the response to bush fires and other emergencies such as storms and floods.
To support RFS volunteers, work is underway to build 18 new rural fire brigade stations and upgrade another four. This will give members the modern facilities and amenities they need for their essential roles.
These projects are at different stages of the development process, with some already under construction and other in the initial planning phase. They will be progressively delivered over coming years as planning approval, tenders and building works are finalised.
The Minns Labor Government is supporting the dedicated RFS volunteers and communities with the facilities they need to manage emergencies into the future. RFS station locations are delivered with local government to meet the needs of local communities, with Fire Control and Emergency Operations Centres strategically placed to support disaster planning across fire districts.
Work on these RFS facilities builds on significant ongoing investment in new trucks, technology to better communicate on firegrounds, improved aviation support and enhanced equipment for brigades.
The growth in RFS capability reflects the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing investment in frontline emergency services, supporting firefighter safety, operational readiness and community safety.
Minister for Emergency Service Jihad Dib said:
“This summer has already served as a reminder of our reliance on our volunteer firefighters, who have tirelessly responded to bush fire emergencies in NSW, Victoria and beyond.
“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring our volunteers have what they need to do their job; our focus on the state’s firefighting capability reflects our deep respect for the people who step up when it matters most.
“We are planning for the future and investing in firefighting facilities so they have the infrastructure they need, both on the fireground and to coordinate effective emergency response operations.
“Rural firefighting response has been a partnership with local government for one hundred years and I thank councils for their shared contribution in keeping communities safe.”
Anna Watson MP, Member for Shellharbour said:
“Our regional communities deserve the strongest possible protection, and this investment delivers exactly that. These new and upgraded RFS facilities will ensure our volunteers have the modern resources they need to keep people safe during bush fires, storms and floods.
“I’m especially proud to see a new brigade station being delivered for Dunmore, in the electorate of Shellharbour. I was happy to work with Mr Tony Hardy, who was a tireless and relentless advocate for a new upgraded facility, sadly Tony has passed before he could see his vision come through and I would like to extend my thanks to Tony’s family for their ongoing support on behalf of their father.”
Katelin McInerney MP, Member for Kiama said:
‘Having met the amazing volunteers at Dunmore RFS with Minister Dib last year, I know firsthand that this investment will ensure they have the modern amenities needed to train and attract more volunteers, particularly women.’
