SES partnership powers local SES ahead of storm season

South Eastern Region SES Groups have received more than $26,000 worth of emergency equipment, to equip them for the summer storm season, as part of a $200,000 partnership with Queensland’s publicly owned electricity companies, Energex and Ergon Energy, part of Energy Queensland, and Powerlink Queensland. 

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni thanked local SES volunteers and staff for their efforts over what has been an extraordinary 2022.

“This past year we saw just how incredible the women and men of the SES are once again, they were there when we needed them, throughout the devastating February floods, the storms and local emergencies,” Minister de Brenni said.

“It’s been their heroics over the past 12 months that makes this enduring partnership between our energy companies and the SES so profoundly valuable.”

“Whether the ‘Orange Angels’ are responding to calls for help in the middle of the night, or supporting the local Police or Fire and Rescue teams, SES volunteers go over and above, and this is a small gesture to once again say thank you.”

Minister de Brenni highlighted that public ownership of Queensland’s electricity companies means they are focussed on serving the community, not making profits.

“The Logan community knows we can count on the SES to be here for us, so today we’re paying it forward - ensuring they’ve got the right equipment, generously provided on behalf of Logan residents by our publicly owned electricity companies.”

“Whether it’s restoring power in the middle of the night, building the Queensland SuperGrid to transform Queensland economy through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, or partnering with the SES - public ownership of energy works for Queenslanders.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh said the SES would put the equipment to good use to support communities from Coolangatta to Esk.  

“The new equipment includes stretchers, lighting, chainsaws and vehicle accessories,” Assistant Commissioner Walsh said.  

“Our volunteers are at the ready to support the community through a range of emergencies, and having up-to-date equipment means they always have the right tools for the job. 

“The hours that our SES dedicate to protecting Queensland communities is highly valued and appreciated.

“The ongoing generosity of our partner organisations has helped the SES build capacity that has a direct and positive impact on communities across the state.”

Energy Queensland CEO Rod Duke said both Ergon and Energex have been long-time supporters of the SES and looked forward to another year assisting the SES’ invaluable volunteers. 

“When natural disasters strike Queensland there’s two absolute guarantees the state experiences,” Mr Duke said. 

“There is always the unfortunate damage to property and disruption to lives but, on the positive side, there is a sea of invaluable volunteers in orange overalls working hard helping the community back on its feet.     

“These members of the SES not only help make lives in the community better during and after emergencies, they also provide significant support to Energex and Ergon Energy crews out there getting power back on. 

“And for their tireless assistance for our crews and the wider community we are proud to continue our decade-long support of the amazing work they do.” 

Other equipment handover events have been scheduled for Cairns, Gympie, Mackay and Townsville in late 2022 and early 2023.