Work begins on new emergency evacuation centre for North Richmond
Communities west of the Hawkesbury River will have a dedicated place to seek shelter and support during emergencies, with work now underway on the new North Richmond Emergency Evacuation Centre.
Federal, state and local representatives will today turn the first sod on the project, marking the start of construction on the new multi-purpose facility.
The Albanese Government is investing $2.5 million in the North Richmond Emergency Evacuation Centre through the Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
The funding will support Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a fit-for-purpose evacuation facility, providing a safer and more accessible location for communities west of the Hawkesbury River during emergencies.
The centre will form the first stage of the broader North Richmond Community Hub and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.
During an emergency, the facility will provide a dedicated location for people to evacuate to and access support. Day-to-day, it will operate as the North Richmond Youth Centre and a flexible community space for local activities and programs.
The dual-purpose design means the facility will provide critical infrastructure when the community needs it most, while delivering a new asset for North Richmond residents to use throughout the year.
The broader North Richmond Community Hub is being delivered in stages to provide new and improved community, recreation and open space facilities for the growing community west of the Hawkesbury River.
Future stages include a new and expanded community centre with multi-purpose halls, kitchen facilities and creative spaces, as well as improved landscaping, additional car parking and the redevelopment of the Elizabeth Street Playground.
The Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program is funded by the Australian Government and supports locally identified projects to improve disaster resilience and preparedness.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“The new North Richmond Emergency Evacuation Centre will make Richmond more resilient to severe weather events.
“This is another example of all levels of government working together to identify what facilities are needed to protect the community in an emergency at the local level and making targeted investments to reduce that risk.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP:
“I am proud to have secured $2.5 million in Federal funding to assist with evacuation-specific requirements at North Richmond Community Centre.
“The fires and floods we’ve experienced have shown how vital it is to have facilities that can be quickly adapted for evacuation and recovery purposes, as well as providing a much-needed upgrade for everyday use.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“The Hawkesbury community knows firsthand how quickly conditions can change during a disaster, which is why having a safe, purpose-built space west of the river is so vital.
“This facility is about being prepared long before the next emergency, giving local families peace of mind knowing there is a dedicated place to seek shelter and access support right in their own backyard.
“What I really like about this project is that it will be part of the community every day, providing a space for young people and local activities while being ready to switch to its emergency role when needed.”
Quotes attributable to Hawkesbury City Council Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett
"Today's sod turning marks an exciting milestone for the North Richmond Community Hub. This project reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces that strengthen community connection, support local families and improve resilience during emergencies.
“Once delivered, Stage 1 will provide a valuable community asset that can be enjoyed by residents for years to come."