NSW finance and services minister Andrew Constance yesterday opened the depot — the new home for 40 staff from Roads and Maritime Services, Primary Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries and Office of Water.

The departments had operated from smaller depots in the region.

“This is about better use of taxpayer resources,” Mr Constance said.

“It is far more effective to have a modern, state-of-the-art depot than a bunch of tin sheds around town.

“It is a first for NSW.

“It is already earmarked to expand to a stage 2.

“This will become the model of the future and, from a taxpayers perspective, there is a real benefit.”

Government Property NSW oversaw the building of the depot in Water Works Road.

Mr Constance said there was space to expand and the Albury Council had earmarked nearby land to consolidate its works depots, including the major one on Wodonga Place.

The council’s general manager, Frank Zaknich, who was at the opening, said there was no timeline on any move.

Albury-based Zauner Constructions built the depot project in seven months.

The member for Albury, Greg Aplin, said the depot was a boost for local staff.

“In addition to extra storage space for materials, machinery and heavy equipment, the new facility includes space for new workshops, chemical storage and waste recycling,” he said.

“The new depot will be a much more comfortable place to work.”

The depot includes office space, meeting rooms, showers and secure off-street parking.