NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet visited Hurstville SES last week to announce a $56.4 million investment in the NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) fleet program.
The massive fleet upgrade will see NSW’s 9500 SES volunteers resourced with almost 500 new vehicles, marine vessels and trailers, provided for in the 2018 State Budget.
Mr Grant said the work of NSW SES volunteers is vital and their contribution invaluable.
“By continuing to invest in our volunteers we ensure they stand ready to tackle any emergency at a moment’s notice,” Mr Grant said.
“Our tireless volunteers deserve vehicles and equipment that ensures their lifesaving tasks are performed safely with maximum efficiency and in minimum time.
“As technology advances we can’t afford for our NSW SES volunteers to be left behind.
“The Government delivered a five-year refresh of the NSW SES fleet and now we’re continuing that investment so NSW SES Units also have state-of-the-art equipment for water rescues.”
Mr Perrottet said, “The SES is always there to provide a vital helping hand when things go wrong, and we want to ensure they have the best equipment possible to do the job.
NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst welcomed the funding injection that further future-proofs the agency’s resources.
“This investment means volunteers can continue to deliver our mission of “saving lives and protecting communities” safely and cost effectively,” Commissioner Smethurst said.
From 2012-2017 the NSW Government invested $46 million for the procurement, maintenance and control of the 637 strong SES operational vehicle fleet.
The NSW SES Operational Fleet Replacement Program will continue to replace SES vehicles and also fund the purchase of equipment inventory, marine vessels and trailers.
The funding will enable the provision of 270 vehicles, 124 marine vessels, and 95 trailers.
In 2018-19, 78 vehicles, 37 marine vessels, 30 trailers and 5 snowmobiles will be delivered.
The NSW SES last year responded to over 32,000 requests for assistance and performed over 750 flood rescues across the state.
