Wagga’s Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) have all complained of outdated stations that are expensive to run, vulnerable to black outs and don’t have enough space for new staff or secure records.

In response, Wagga council will vote on whether to build an “emergency services precinct”, combining all three services on nine hectares of council-owned land near the corner of Olympic Highway and Coolamon Road.

The facility would also support other “combat agencies” such as the NSW Police Force or Department of Agriculture during disasters, with Wagga’s first dedicated emergency control room.

Councillor Alan Brown urged his colleagues to back the “state-of-the-art facility” at Monday night’s council meeting.

“Fire and Rescue want to go north of the river so they can get to a fire anywhere in the city within 10 minutes,” Cr Brown said.

“Given the city’s moving north, they can’t possibly fulfill that aim from their existing sites in Turvey Park and The Esplanade.

“If Wagga has a large industrial emergency, whether it be a fire or chemical spill, the most likely spot is Bomen and the proposed site is only 10 minutes away.”

Fire and Rescue, RFS and SES have all give “in principle” support to combine their facilities. 

Councillor Greg Conkey will also vote in favour of handing over council’s land. 

“It’s a flood free location in Wagga’s growth area, with good road access to the rest of the region,” Cr Conkey said.

“The RFS has outgrown their Fernleigh Road facility.”

NSW RFS already allocated $100,000 to develop the business case and master plan concept, which includes a helipad.

The NSW Volunteer Rescue Association has also supported the precinct.