$96.6 million WA Labor commitment to tackle natural disaster threats

Communities across Western Australia will be better prepared for the growing threat of natural disasters, thanks to a $96.6 million commitment from the Cook Labor Government.
  • New State Emergency Management Training Centre to provide vital training
  • Expanded fire stations and facilities to improve disaster response
  • Builds on the Cook Labor Government’s track record of supporting emergency services

Communities across Western Australia will be better prepared for the growing threat of natural disasters, thanks to a $96.6 million commitment from the Cook Labor Government.

Announced today, the package includes funding four new fire stations, upgraded facilities and enhanced emergency response capacity to keep communities safe in their hour of need.

Importantly, WA Labor will deliver a new, world class State Emergency Management Training Centre, which will provide hands-on training for career firefighters and volunteers on the front line, with construction to commence in 2028.

The Centre will simulate natural disasters like storms, floods, cyclones and bushfires, giving first responders the best possible preparation for a natural disaster.

In addition, WA Labor will strengthen the State’s fire and rescue capacity, with:

  • $22.7 million to build and staff a state-of-the-art Career Fire and Rescue Service station at
  • Yanchep;
  • $17.5 million for a new Wanneroo Emergency Management Complex;
  • $8 million for a new station for the Bullsbrook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service; and
  • $3.5 million to expand the successful Community Emergency Services Manager (CESM) program with six new positions across regional WA.

WA Labor has also committed to fund a new State Bushfire Mitigation Branch which will focus on preventing fire disasters before they happen.

In recognition of the critical role of firefighters in our community, WA Labor will also undertake a review of the health and wellbeing of firefighters, in consultation with the United Professional Firefighters Union.

Today’s commitment builds on the Cook Labor Government’s proven track record of supporting emergency services across WA, with more than $150 million invested in new firefighting appliances, expanding the aerial fleet, and upgrading equipment and facilities since 2017.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“From raging bushfires to floods and cyclones, natural disasters are becoming increasingly common in Western Australia."

“Today’s commitment of $96.6 million will ensure that our brave emergency services staff and volunteers have the best possible resources and training to respond when disaster strikes."

“Only the Cook Labor Government will invest in world class emergency services infrastructure to keep communities across WA safe.”

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