New SES flood boat and trailer boosts South Western Region emergency services

Published Tuesday, 03 July, 2018 at 06:00 PM

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Craig Crawford

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today (Tuesday) presented the Cecil Plains State Emergency Service (SES) Group with a new flood boat and trailer worth more than $66,000.

Mr Crawford said the new 4.6 metre flood boat and trailer - funded under the SES Major Equipment Replacement Program – would “better equip the dedicated volunteers to provide crucial services”.

“The Cecil Plains area can often become isolated due to flood waters during large weather events,” Mr Crawford said.

“The new flood boat will allow transportation of urgent supplies and assist the public if they become stranded when natural disasters strike.

“This new equipment will help our SES volunteers protect and build resilience within South Western communities.”

The Toowoomba Regional SES unit – of which the Cecil Plains SES group is a part of - has about 170 active volunteers across its nine groups.

Since July 2017, the volunteers of Toowoomba Regional SES unit have performed 2,563 hours in operational tasking and 15,841 hours in training, administration, group exercises, courses, public education, recruitment, fundraising and equipment maintenance.  

“Local communities in the South West Region can feel reassured that our dedicated SES volunteers have the equipment they need to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies,” Mr Crawford said.

QFES Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Smith said: “We know in an emergency, every minute counts - which is why this new flood boat and trailer is vital to improve the delivery of emergency services in the Toowoomba area.

“It’s a huge win for the local Cecil Plains community, and a boost to the capabilities of the dedicated SES members.

“When severe weather events and emergencies occur, our SES volunteers are a welcome and comforting sight to Queenslanders in need.

“QFES staff often put their lives at risk in service for our community and I am proud that we can support them in doing the great work they do,” Mr Smith said.

ENDS

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