As we head into the high-risk weather season, we have to ensure that, at all levels of government, we're adequately prepared, particularly in my area of northern New South Wales, following the devastating floods that we've had and many other weather events. Indeed, Labor is delivering a major investment to our local State Emergency Service infrastructure and equipment right throughout my electorate. I want to take this opportunity to thank every SES volunteer and other emergency services volunteers across my region. Thank you for your incredible commitment and dedication to keeping our communities safe. We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful SES volunteers who always volunteer their time to keep the rest of us safe.

Of course, locals in my area know all too well the devastating impact of severe storms, flooding, cyclones and bushfires. They know the impact on families, businesses and communities in our region. When natural disaster strikes, it is our wonderful SES volunteers who put themselves at the frontline to protect our lives and property. As I've said, Labor is investing in our emergency services and disaster preparedness. In fact, the Minister for Emergency Services of New South Wales, Jihad Dib, was back in the region earlier this month to inspect newly upgraded SES infrastructure and equipment right across our region. During his visit, Minister Dib and I inspected the progress of the new Murwillumbah SES facility on Old Lismore Road. The $6.2 million purpose-built facility is taking shape ahead of its expected completion in early 2027. In the past three years, the Murwillumbah SES unit has responded to close to 850 incidents, many due to storms and flooding in our region. Of course, once the new unit is complete, it will include expanded garage bays, improved training areas and dedicated operational rooms.

In Ballina, we've also got a new $6.3 million purpose-built SES facility, and it's just recently been opened. It includes an emergency operations centre to improve coordination between our emergency services during major incidents. The Ballina SES unit has responded to more than 1,100 tasks, including 725 storms, 352 floods, 132 general land rescue incidents, in the last three years. That's why it's so important to have both of these new headquarters open before the high-risk weather season is upon us. They really are replacing very outdated facilities that were no longer fit for purpose. These facilities provide our volunteers with the modern infrastructure they need to respond quickly and effectively during those emergencies. The upgrades really do come at a very critical time as we're told there's another severe weather season. Preparedness is absolutely at the heart of that.

I particularly want to thank Minister Dib for being up in our region, and I then want to thank all of our amazing SES volunteers and all of our emergency services personnel. They do incredible work. They are dedicated community members who help so many during very difficult times.