Construction of new emergency services HQ in SA to support 250 jobs

Construction is ramping up on a new purpose-built emergency services headquarters in South Australia where several emergency services agencies will unite under one roof for the very first time in the history of South Australia. 

“We are building what matters, supporting the local economy with the creation of more than 250 jobs and uniting the CFS (Country Fire Services), MFS (Metropolitan Fire Services), SES (State Emergency Services) and SAFECOM (South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission) under one roof to better protect South Australians. 

“This critical piece of infrastructure for our state is well on track to be finished before South Australia's next fire danger season and will be a huge weapon for our amazing emergency service workers and volunteers to protect lives,” Premier Steven Marshall said. 

The new Emergency Services Headquarters at the World Park Precinct in Keswick was designed to be earthquake resistant with a self-sufficient power source and it is set to be filled with “high-tech command centre equipment and firefighting assets”. 

“Delivering this state-of-the-art building in time for the next bushfire season means our Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel will be better prepared for catastrophic events like bushfires, floods and storms. 

“The building has a post-disaster Importance Level 4 rating, which allows the ESS staff and volunteers to continue their paramount work up to 48 hours in isolation, even during times where major infrastructure may fail,” Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia said. 

According to SAFECOM Project Manager Joan Dobbie, the new emergency services headquarters is vital to improving the way ESS safeguards the local community. 

“The new headquarters and State Control Centre is a much-needed facility for the ESS and will provide enhanced technology for staff and volunteers in their incredibly important roles. 

“It's exciting to know how much closer we are to ensuring our state's ESS staff and volunteers are equipped with the enhanced capabilities they need to serve the South Australian community,” Ms Dobbie said. 

Once the building is completed, it will be home to over 300 staff as well as the CFS State Operations Support Brigade, SES State Operations Support Unit, SES Volunteer Association, CFS Volunteer Association and CFS Foundation. 

The new building spans more than 5,500-SQM, which is big enough to accommodate five heavy tankers and a bulk carrier that will be on standby for operational deployment. 

Construction of the new Emergency Services Headquarters is undertaken by Pike Constructions. 

Source: Premier of South Australia – Media Releases; Build Australia