1. Building a better NSW

1.7 Emergency services and disaster recovery

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Natural disasters

New South Wales has been experiencing a run of the most devastating natural disasters in its history.

In the six years since the unprecedented 2019-20 bushfires, the NSW and Australian Governments have spent $9.5 billion providing disaster relief and recovery across the state. That averages $1.6 billion per year – more than a 1,000 per cent increase compared to $154.0 million per year in the prior six years.

This Budget also outlines a further $4.2 billion of disaster relief across the forward estimates, a figure that is likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters.

Since coming to office, the Government has approved an additional $8.2 billion in expenditure to support recovery from natural disasters.

Response and recovery

In partnership with the Australian Government, the NSW Government is providing critical relief and recovery support to communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and recent flood events.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred

$154.5 million for disaster recovery and relief measures in response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This includes $125.5 million in immediate assistance in 2024-25.

Floods

$358.3 million for disaster recovery and relief measures in response to the May 2025 East Coast floods. This includes $56.6 million in immediate assistance in 2024-25.
$27.0 million for repair and restoration of water and sewer infrastructure in the Central West, damaged by 2022 severe weather and flooding.

Emergency response

The NSW Government is investing to improve our ability to respond and protect communities during emergencies, with:

$42.2 million to operate a new 24-hour fire station with 52 permanent firefighters at Badgerys Creek, providing dedicated fire and rescue coverage for the Western Sydney International Airport and the broader Aerotropolis precinct
$35.9 million for Fire and Rescue NSW to maintain critical fire, rescue and hazardous materials response services
$34.4 million for the NSW Rural Fire Service to continue leasing its essential fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for emergencies
$33.9 million for telecommunications to strengthen the Public Safety Network to better support Emergency Services Organisations, government agencies, and local councils in delivering critical services that protect communities and infrastructure
$17.0 million for the renewal of Fire and Rescue NSW’ firefighting fleet to strengthen frontline emergency response
$7.5 million for enhanced management systems to handle the increasing number and complexity of disasters
$6.4 million to maintain the Emergency Alert System, ensuring communities are provided early warnings during natural disasters.