Power packed launch for SES supporting partnership announcement

State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers around the state will be better equipped to assist the community with Energy Queensland (Energex and Ergon) and Powerlink today announcing they will extend a partnership with the Queensland SES for another 12 months through the Energising Qld SES Equipment Program.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the renewal would see Energy Queensland and Powerlink invest $200,000 for the purchase of valuable equipment for SES Groups to continue the important job of protecting Queenslanders when they needed it most.

“These grants give volunteers the opportunity to buy expensive equipment such as inverter generators, scene lighting, chainsaws, polesaws, vehicle accessories, stretchers and resuscitation or training equipment,” Mr Ryan said.

“We have been working closely with Queensland energy companies since 2015 and with their continued support we will be able to assist even more Queenslanders.”

Energy Queensland Chief Executive Officer David Smales said employees often worked alongside SES volunteers in disaster response situations and many Energy Queensland staff in regional Queensland were SES volunteers.

“We are very happy to be able to help provide this financial assistance for the purchase of new equipment, which will help local SES branches provide valuable assistance during disaster response,” Mr Smales said.

Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Merryn York said the sponsorship would continue to support the SES and its thousands of volunteers to help Queenslanders in times of need.

“Powerlink sees first-hand the vital contribution SES volunteers make to communities statewide during severe weather events,” Ms York said.

“Supplying valuable tools and equipment to SES groups across Queensland will provide local communities with the support they need in emergency situations and Powerlink is proud to continue its partnership with Energy Queensland to deliver a sponsorship that makes a real difference to Queensland communities.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services SES Assistant Commissioner Peter Jeffrey said SES volunteers were a welcome and comforting sight to Queenslanders in need.

“This specialist equipment will mean our SES volunteers can continue to provide assistance to residents with storm damage, land search, road crash rescue, vertical rescue, flood boats, traffic management, agency support, incident management and specialist rescue,” Mr Jeffrey said.

Media contacts: Emma McBryde 0447 155 332