Police and emergency services workers and volunteers in Northern NSW are set to benefit from an $84.5 million investment by the Government to better equip them to protect their communities, particularly against bushfire and drownings this summer.
The announcements by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott in the Tweed today brings an end 9 days of travel across regional NSW, including:
- 37 public engagements with NSW Police Force, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service and Volunteer Rescue Association squads;
- Over 3,700 kilometres travelled;
- 23 villages and townships across 11 regional electorates visited;
- Various meetings with police men and women, Mayors, local MPs, chaplains, councillors, lifesavers, firefighters, farmers, miners, aviators, small business owners and publicans; and
- A total investment of over $84.5 million into regional NSW.
Minister Elliott joined Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Commissioner Mark Gibson, and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter to hand over two new appliances and unveil the design of a new fire station for the region.
Mr Elliott said boating safety on the Far North Coast would improve with the delivery of a new $819,000 rescue boat to the Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit as well as a $200,000 high-tech fit-out of the MRNSW base.
“This new vessel is one of 38 rescue boats funded as part of a record $37.6 million, four-year State Government investment to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
Commissioner Tannos said the base fit-out will include a new antennae, VHF radios and radio equipment, emergency generator and office fittings; creating a state of the art space to coordinate emergency communication and response on local waterways.
“This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers the modern, safe and reliable boats and state of the art communications facilities they need to meet the needs of the local boating community,” he said.
Mr Provest welcomed the delivery of a new $229,000 quick response rescue vehicle to the Tweed District VRA squad.
“This vehicle which comes fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the Tweed District squad can respond to calls for assistance in a fit-for-purpose vehicle specifically designed for the roles they perform,”
Commissioner Gibson said that with many people returning to the Tweed tourism hub, the risk of accidents requiring extrications also increases.
“It is important to equip our dedicated members with the best technology and equipment so they can provide the best service to the community and they can operate safely while doing so,” he said.
Mr Elliott also unveiled the design of the innovative new $4.7 million Kingscliff Fire Station which is due to be completed in 2022.
“The new two-storey fire station will improve efficiencies in the region’s emergency response and capability. The NSW Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible facilities and equipment, so they can get on with the job they do best – protecting life and property,” he said.
Mr Provest said the new fire station will provide improved response coverage for Kingscliff and surrounding communities.
Commissioner Baxter said the new station is the latest design to improve firefighter safety and is configured to accommodate both permanent and on-call firefighters.
“The layout of the station is a result of studies of best practice around Australia and the world, and consultation with firefighters who live and breathe at the stations.”