TIME TO RETHINK EMERGENCY SERVICES LOCATIONS

Robert Dwyer • 18 August 2025

TIME TO RETHINK EMERGENCY SERVICES LOCATIONS

The recent devastating flooding in the Manning Valley has highlighted the need to look at relocating a number of emergency services facilities, Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said today.

 

“Both the Coopernook Rural Fire Service and the Harrington State Emergency Service facilities are located in areas that unfortunately are often the first to be inundated with flood water, making it extremely difficult for those organisations to service the community at a time when they are needed the most.

 

“Members of the community have raised this matter with me as a major concern with  the inability of two local emergency service providers not being able to respond to flooding due to their incapacity to access trucks and equipment from their individual emergency service units,” Mr Dwyer said.

 

“I have already discussed this issue with the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Jihad Dib MP and I have officially written to him requesting financial assistance to relocate these units if suitable sites can be identified.

 

“Under the Regulations, it is the responsibility of local councils to provide land for these emergency services and I have a meeting this week with Mid Coast Council to try and identify possible new locations for the units.

 

“This is in no way a criticism of the emergency service volunteers or the performance they provide to our local communities, but rather bringing to light a flaw in the system that has to be looked into,” Mr Dwyer said.

 

“If new locations can not be identified, we need to look into flood mitigation measures to ensure these two emergency service organisations can get to and from their facilities during times of an emergency.”

 

Robert's Media Releases

by Robert Dwyer 21 December 2025
People in the Port Macquarie electorate can recognise an outstanding older person in their community with nominations now open for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards. Robert Dwyer said the awards celebrate the tremendous contribution seniors offer to their community. “If you know a senior who strives to make our community a better place through volunteering, innovation or simply supporting family and friends, now is the time to nominate them for recognition,” Mr Dwyer said. “We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. “By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping Port Macquarie thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigma.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the awards highlight the diverse ways seniors enrich their communities. Each year, MPs across the state use the awards to recognise seniors in their community by hosting a small awards ceremony where recipients are celebrated. Nomination forms are available from all MP’s offices across the state and need to be completed and returned by Friday 16 January 2026. Successful recipients will receive their awards during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2-15 March 2026. The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts more than 500,000 people at almost 50 DCJ-run and sponsored events across metro and regional areas. The festival commenced in 1958 and in 2026 will mark its 68th year. The festival promotes social inclusion and connection and encourages older people to attend events and become involved in art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, contact us by emailing portmacquarie@parliament.nsw.gov.au
by Robert Dwyer 17 December 2025
“As the holiday period approaches, many people will be hitting the road to visit family and friends or to take a well-earned break.
Photo of Robert Dwyer MOP and RFS Captain Chris Bawn
by Robert Dwyer 16 December 2025
With the summer season well underway, emergency services are urging the community to prioritise safety and take simple steps now to prepare for extreme weather and emergency situations.
by Robert Dwyer 15 December 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, said work will continue this week to remove several dangerous trees along the Oxley Highway road reserve, paving the way for the replacement of fencing between Wrights Road and Fernhill Road.
by Robert Dwyer 15 December 2025
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has welcomed changes to the NSW Workers Compensation system, saying the reforms will go a long way toward helping businesses survive and providing certainty for injured workers.
Dignitaries including Robert Dwyer MP and Minister enny Aitchison
by Robert Dwyer 10 December 2025
Motorists are set to benefit from a major boost to local infrastructure, with the $123 million duplication of Ocean Drive now officially completed and open to traffic.
by Robert Dwyer 8 December 2025
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a commitment to introducing a nation-leading, low-cost licence plate scheme for certain categories of e-bike riders, putting community safety, responsible riding and practical enforcement at the centre of future active-transport regulation.
by Robert Dwyer 3 December 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has today welcomed the passage of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Repeal Bill 2025 through the NSW Parliament describing it as a crucial step toward safeguarding the ecological integrity of Kosciuszko National Park and reinforcing NSW’s broader commitment to managing invasive
by Robert Dwyer 1 December 2025
ROBERT DWYER CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP TO SECURE NORTH COAST JOBS AND REBUILD TIMBER MANUFACTURING
by Robert Dwyer 24 November 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has renewed his call for urgent action on the long-awaited Southern Breakwall upgrade following the recent collapse of additional rocks near the skatepark.
Show More