SES 132 500 Hotline inundated with calls in first year of operation

More than 26,000 calls for assistance have been made to the State Emergency Service (SES) Hotline in its first 12 months of operation, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.

Mr Roberts said people affected by flooding and monsoonal rains had inundated the SES Hotline (phone 132 500) with calls for assistance.

“The SES Hotline was launched on 2 July last year to provide a simple, single number for people requiring SES assistance to call,” Mr Roberts said.

“It replaced more than 1200 numbers previously available for people to contact the SES.”

“The SES Hotline has been a success. This phone line has been a lifeline for many Queenslanders, particularly during the dangerous conditions of flooding and monsoonal rains earlier this year.”

“SES crews responded magnificently and the estimated workload of SES volunteers is expected to exceed almost 75,000 hours – the equivalent of 8½ years.”

Mr Roberts said the Bligh Government was committed to the SES Hotline with $500,000 allocated in 2008-09 under a $2.19 million, five-year commitment.

Other areas that made the most calls to SES Hotline:

1.Brisbane region – 5298 calls
2.Mackay - 3440
3.Nambour – 1692
4.Southport – 1457
5.Noosaville – 892
6.Emerald – 882
7.Rockhampton - 787
8.Beenleigh - 725
9.Townsville – 701
10.Redcliffe – 688
11.Cairns - 642
12. Maryborough – 429