Maitland CFS and SES Shed

Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. What has happened to the planned upgrade of the Maitland CFS and SES shed? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr ELLIS: A new build has been on the cards for a number of years but to date no work has appeared or started.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services) (14:51): I thank the member for his question. It is a matter that he has raised with me personally before and particularly during our time in his wonderful electorate during country cabinet, and also it is a matter that is raised by local council. I am very pleased to advise that the works are progressing. It is a $4.6 million project managed by SAFECOM on behalf of a joint facility between the SES and CFS.

At the moment I can advise that, to the best of my most recent advice of about a week ago, SAFECOM on behalf of our agencies is engaging at present with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to receive final reports, as well as engineering and further cost estimations. My most recent advice in the last week—and I would be very happy to come back to the member should this be not accurate, but I understand that early works will be starting around June of 2024. Of course, if that is different to my most recent advice of about a week ago I will be very happy to let the member know.