The Shire of Narrogin has received Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) approval to build a new emergency services facility in WA’s Wheatbelt, replacing an existing building deemed unfit for purpose, as reported by The West Australian.
The planned centre will bring the Narrogin State Emergency Service and the Narrogin Bush Fire Brigade Volunteers under one roof. The Shire operates five Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades across its area, and the SES unit is administered by DFES with support from the Shire, funded through the Emergency Services Levy.
The Shire completed significant groundwork before seeking DFES sign-off. Peter Rundle, Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Roe, said: “The Shire of Narrogin has done the groundwork, developing a business case, completing extensive cost analysis, and securing key stakeholder support.”
The Nationals pledged $4.5 million toward the facility as part of their February 2025 state election platform, framing it as part of a broader $76 million regional emergency services investment package, according to the party’s announcement. At the time of that pledge, the project was described as shovel-ready.
For local trades, the approval is the signal that work is coming. A facility of this type typically covers vehicle bays, training rooms, communications equipment, and office fit-out, drawing in civil contractors, concreters, builders, electricians, and fit-out specialists. A comparable co-located facility built in Tom Price came in at around $4.05 million, giving some sense of scale. With a business case complete and DFES backing secured, procurement could move quickly once funding arrangements are finalised.
Demand for capital upgrades to volunteer emergency facilities has long outpaced available funding across regional WA. The Western Australian Local Government Association has previously flagged the shortfall as a structural problem for local councils trying to maintain fit-for-purpose infrastructure for volunteers. The Narrogin project, with its pre-approval groundwork already done, is well-placed to move to tender ahead of similar projects in the queue.
Local contractors in the Narrogin region should watch for procurement notices from the Shire once funding is locked in.
Frequently asked questions
What will the new Narrogin emergency services centre include?
The facility is expected to include vehicle bays, training rooms, communications equipment, and office fit-out, housing both the Narrogin SES and the Narrogin Bush Fire Brigade Volunteers under one roof.
How much has been pledged for the Narrogin emergency services centre?
The Nationals WA pledged $4.5 million toward the facility as part of a broader $76 million regional emergency services investment package announced in February 2025.
Who funds the Narrogin SES unit?
The Narrogin SES is administered by DFES with support from the Shire of Narrogin, funded through the Emergency Services Levy.
When will construction procurement begin?
No date has been confirmed. With DFES approval and a completed business case already in place, procurement is expected to move quickly once funding arrangements are finalised.
Sourced from The West Australian, The Nationals WA, Narrogin Observer. Original article.
