MINISTER COMMENDS EMERGENCY SERVICES RESPONSE

With the emergency services response to the flooding on the Sunshine Coast now largely completed, Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts has commended all staff and volunteers involved in the response.

Mr Roberts said although the hard work of the clean up would now continue, emergency services personnel had put in a tremendous effort during the response phase.

“From when the weather event began last week, through to yesterday, we had nearly 400 State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers on the ground responding to over 1000 calls for assistance from the local community,” he said.

“The SES worked superbly with a range of other agencies, including the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service, Queensland Police, the Queensland Ambulance Service, Surf Lifesaving Queensland, and volunteers from the Rural Fire Service and Salvation Army.”

Mr Roberts said the response was yet another reminder of the vital role the SES plays in the Queensland community.

“Apart from the local volunteers SES crews from as far afield as Warwick, Gatton, Laidley, and Toowoomba, as well as from across Brisbane, all stepped up to lend a hand,” he said.

Mr Roberts said that if any members of the community were interested in joining the SES they should contact 1300 369 003.

“It is a great way to learn some new skills and build new relationships, while also making a positive contribution to your local community,” he said.

“All volunteers are provided with complete protective clothing, there are no joining fees, and all education and training programs are provided free of charge.

For further information on the SES and their operations visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses/.

Media contact: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571.

Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976