Northern Rivers disaster response and recovery operations are being strengthened as the NSW government invests more than $6.6 million for facilities and vehicles through the NSW State Emergency Services (SES).
NSW SES units at Ballina and Murwillumbah will be replaced in partnership with Ballina Shire and Tweed Shire Councils, upgrading outdated buildings and improving the region’s emergency response during severe weather events.
Both units will almost double in size and be equipped with improved training spaces, expanded vehicles bays, state-of-the-art operational rooms and modern amenities.
Construction on the new units will begin in the months ahead, with both projects to be completed by late 2026.
As well as the upgraded units, Ballina and Murwillumbah will receive new vehicles as part of a multi-million-dollar investment by the Minns Labor Government.
New vehicles and facilities
This $10 million investment will deliver 21 specialist flood rescue and high clearance vehicles around NSW. Ballina will receive a flood rescue vehicle worth $270,000 and a high clearance vehicle valued at $800,000 will be stationed at Murwillumbah, for use across the region.
Flood rescue vehicles can carry a small rescue boat and crew and are designed for use in remote and rugged areas. High clearance vehicles can be used for a range of tasks during floods, including resupply and search and rescue missions.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, ‘This multi-million-dollar investment from the Minns Labor Government underscores our commitment to ensuring NSW communities have safe, reliable and high-performing resources.
‘In recent years, Ballina and Murwillumbah SES volunteers have supported their communities through a range of challenging weather events including a tropical cyclone, storms and floods.
‘Ensuring our emergency volunteers have modern facilities and equipment means they can assist their communities in times of crisis, strengthening local disaster response.’
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, ‘Our communities need to know support can be activated quickly when disasters occur, and these new facilities and vehicles will help deliver this for the Northern Rivers.
“I am proud of this investment, which will go a long way to boosting response efforts and making our communities more prepared.”
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said, ‘The Northern Rivers is one of the most flood-prone areas in New South Wales, and volunteers deserve a facility meeting the operational demands of the region.
‘This investment is delivering fit-for-purpose units with better training spaces and amenities, providing our dedicated volunteers the tools they need to respond faster, safer and more effectively.
‘These new vehicles will prove effective in negotiating the challenging terrain across the Northern Rivers region.’
More resilient
Ballina Shire Council Mayor Councillor Sharon Cadwallader said, ‘We’re proud to support this investment in our community’s safety and future ensuring Ballina Shire is better equipped to face the increasing threat of floods, storms and other extreme weather events.
‘This project will help build a more resilient Ballina Shire community. The devastating impact of the 2022 floods and the threat posed by Cyclone Alfred have shown just how important it is to be prepared.
‘In partnership with the NSW SES, we’re delivering infrastructure our local volunteers need to respond faster, coordinate better, and protect lives and properties when disaster strikes.’
Tweed Shire Council Mayor Councillor Chris Cherry said, ‘We’re incredibly grateful to the SES volunteers for the work they do during natural disasters but also the support they show to the community at all other times.
‘I’m really pleased we’ve been able to come together to ensure the SES have the equipment they need, and facilities to provide the community with excellent service.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
