ChemCentre and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) have reinforced their longstanding partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), strengthening Western Australia’s ability to respond to hazardous materials incidents and protect the community from emerging risks.
The renewed agreement formalises ChemCentre's ongoing role in supporting DFES-led emergency operations, ensuring specialist scientific expertise remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week during incidents involving hazardous materials.
From chemical spills and dangerous goods incidents to the identification of unknown materials and emerging hazards, ChemCentre's Emergency Response team works alongside DFES to help assess risks, support critical decision-making and minimise impacts on people, property and the environment.
This partnership extends beyond incident response, with the two agencies continuing to collaborate on training, capability development and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These activities help maintain a high level of preparedness and ensure emergency responders are supported and equipped to meet evolving challenges and emerging threats.
ChemCentre Chief Executive Officer Paul Nicholls said the agreement reflects the strength of the relationship between the two organisations and their shared commitment to community safety.
"Western Australians can have confidence that when hazardous materials incidents occur, ChemCentre and DFES are working together to deliver a coordinated and effective response," Mr Nicholls said.
"This renewed agreement reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership and our shared commitment to public safety. Through science, expertise and collaboration, we are helping build a safer and more resilient Western Australia."
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said hazardous materials incidents were complex events and sound scientific expertise was critical to making good decisions to keep the community safe.
“Our longstanding partnership with ChemCentre means first responders have the support they need when it matters most, protecting both our crews and the public.”
The signing marks another important milestone in a relationship built on trust, expertise and a shared purpose. By combining ChemCentre's scientific capability with DFES's operational emergency response expertise, both organisations are strengthening Western Australia's preparedness for hazardous materials incidents and helping safeguard communities across the State, now and into the future.
