Three new rescue vehicles have been officially handed over to North Coast-based SES units, only weeks after members responded to major storms which wreaked damage across the region.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh was joined by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and SES Commissioner Carlene York at a ceremony in Coffs Harbour this afternoon.
Mr Singh said the NSW Government had backed the Coffs Harbour City SES unit, funding more than $600,000 for two rescue trucks, with a third new vehicle already operational with the Urunga SES unit.
“It’s reassuring to the community that when those hailstorms struck – causing significant property damage – our local SES members responded swiftly,” Mr Singh said.
“The Light Storm Vehicle valued at $185,000 and the Heavy Rescue Vehicle valued at $420,000 will boost the Coffs Harbour City emergency response capability to storms like these, as well as floods, and other emergencies.
“The Coffs Harbour City Unit has responded to 1319 requests for assistance from the community in this financial year alone: of those requests, 1255 were due to the storm last month.”
Mr Elliott said the NSW Government has allocated $116.04 million for the 10 years from July 2018 to support the NSW SES Fleet Replacement Program.
“The NSW Government is committed to providing our emergency crews with the best possible facilities and equipment, so they can get on with the job they do best: protecting life and property,” he said.
Commissioner York said the new trucks have been purpose-designed to the highest standards of safety and functionality.
“Funding for the program will continue to replace NSW SES vehicles like these trucks, as well as purchasing equipment, inventory, marine vessels, trailers, and snowmobiles,” she said.
The Urunga Medium Rescue vehicle has been operational since it was delivered last year.
