Liberal candidate for Pittwater, Rory Amon, has welcomed the Perrottet Government’s $255,000 capability boost for Northern Beaches’ NSW State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers, with the delivery of a new Medium Storm Vehicle and General Purpose Trailer.
Mr Amon said the new equipment will be a huge help for the local volunteers, who will be able to use it for storm damage operations, including dealing with complex tree and roof situations, and flood rescues.
“As an emergency services volunteer, I know that having access to the right equipment can make all the difference in the world to a successful operation or rescue,” Mr Amon said.
“This is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be campaigning for the Perrottet Government, which has been a great supporter of the NSW SES and its volunteers – including its commitment of $116 million for the strategic replacement of the SES fleet.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes, SES Commissioner Carlene York and SES volunteers and staff today to hand over the keys to the new vehicle and equipment.
“The Warringah-Pittwater Unit’s 128 members are some of the most active in NSW and I’m very grateful for their work in the Northern Beaches community as well as deployments to regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.
“The two new assets being officially handed over today form part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $116 million Fleet Replacement Program to provide our wonderful volunteers with the best possible resources and equipment.”
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the new vehicle and trailer are a welcome sight following relentless rain and flooding over the past year.
“The Medium Storm Vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of equipment to enhance the volunteers’ capability in storms and flood rescues, while the General Purpose Trailer will assist with the transport of sandbags, tools, water, food, medicines and other items,” Mr Stokes said.
“These new assets will help our volunteers better protect the community, keeping residents safer and stronger when severe weather strikes.”
Commissioner York said the new assets will provide additional capability for the Unit.
“This investment into the Northern Beaches community will ensure our volunteers will always be there to assist in a timely and efficient manner during a weather emergency,” Commissioner York said.
Warringah-Pittwater Unit Commander Mark Colwell said volunteers will utilise the trailer in their everyday operations.
“Over the past three years, our volunteers have responded to an astonishing 3,500 requests for assistance – that’s the equivalent of going out into the community three times a day to help tarp roofs, secure trees, resupply goods and ensure the wellbeing of residents,” Mr Colwell said.