A $5 million development of the new SA State Emergency Service (SES) Noarlunga Unit is officially complete, with the site now operational.

The new facility sits on a 5,000 square metre block and has been built to accommodate the increased capacity demanded by the population boom in Adelaide’s south.

It features a designated Importance Level 4 (IL4) five-bay appliance building, which enables it to operate independently of external utilities for up to 48 hours.

It includes male and female change rooms, an external training area, laundry, bathroom and storage.

An operational building includes offices, a dedicated communications room, large training room, kitchen and bathroom facilities.

A back-up generator, 55-panel solar system and a fire and essential water storage tank with mains water pressure allow the unit to sustain itself in times when external utilities are not available.

Units provide an important place where volunteers and staff can meet to train and coordinate emergency response activities.

To mark the occasion more than 50 Noarlunga Unit volunteers participated in a ceremonial march from their old premises to their new home.

Chris Beattie, SES Chief Officer, says the new unit will increase operational response capability in line with community needs.

“Last year the Noarlunga SES Unit responded to more than 850 requests for assistance from their local community. 

“The previous site on Brian Road, Lonsdale has served the community well since 1979 but it was time to create a more modern facility to ensure we maintain our high-level response capabilities, such as vertical rescues.”

Anyone considering volunteering with the SES to support their local community can visit the SES website or call 1300 364 587 for further support and information.