FESA headquarters' Cockburn move for $46m

Police and Emergency Services Minister John Kobelke has unveiled a $46 million plan to relocate the Fire and Emergency Services Authority to Cockburn by 2011.

The full text of a ministerial announcement is pasted below

FESA headquarters will be relocated to Cockburn City by 2011, under a $46 million plan.

Police and Emergency Services Minister John Kobelke said the site, bought earlier this year, was in the booming southern corridor, close to major facilities like the newly constructed southern suburbs rail line, commercial area and major shopping centre.

"It will mean the development of a new state-of-the-art facility for the State's fire and emergency services 000 call centre, the State Coordination Centre and the headquarters for Emergency Service personnel that support our emergency service volunteers and career Fire and Rescue firefighters," Mr Kobelke said.

"The site is within walking distance of the train station and close to express bus routes, providing easy access for both staff and visitors to the Emergency Services complex.

"FESA has been negotiating funding from the State Government since 2003 and planning for the new site will commence next year at an estimated cost of $2million.

"With FESA staff currently spread across the metropolitan district, the new complex will provide an opportunity to bring staff together helping to increase communication and work productively."

The Minister said the complex would incorporate the latest technology making it one of the most energy efficient Government buildings in the State.

Mr Kobelke said FESA employees would be invited to participate in the planning and design process of the new complex to ensure the needs of all areas within FESA were met and accommodated.

The announcement cements the Labor Government's commitment to emergency services in Western Australia and complements the recently announced relocation of the Perth Fire Station.