New flood boats and trailers boost SES capability

Published Thursday, 02 March, 2023 at 03:00 PM

Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan

  • The Palaszczuk Government has provided an additional $200,000  in emergency equipment for North Queensland’s State Emergency Service.
  • The Clare and Home Hill (SES) groups received two new Swift Marine flood boats, funded through the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ SES Major Equipment Request Scheme.
  • Both boats (including trailer) are worth about $100,000 each, and will boost the emergency response in North Queensland.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, today bolstered the Clare and Home Hill State Emergency Service (SES) groups with the handover of new vital equipment.

Each SES group will receive a 5.3 metre Swift Marine flood boat with a 90 horsepower Suzuki motor and a boat trailer.

At a cost of more than $100,000 each, the significant investment in the region’s SES groups will help local SES volunteers to perform a wide range of functions during major natural disasters.

The equipment was funded through the SES Major Equipment Request Program, with the boats now ready for deployment. 

 

Quotes attributed to Minister Ryan:
“Queensland is the most disaster-prone state in Australia, and we rely on the crucial work of our wonderful SES volunteers to respond to natural disasters,” Minister Ryan said.

“It’s important to support the SES now and into the future, to ensure they continue doing the important work to keep Queenslanders safe.

“This equipment will boost response in the Burdekin Shire to help those who require urgent assistance, while our skilled SES volunteers continue their exceptional work in the region.”

 

Quotes attributed to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Deputy Commissioner Joanne Greenfield:

“Replacing the existing aging vessels will enhance response capability in the area,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Greenfield said.

“As we embark on another year of unpredictable weather, I know this equipment will be heavily relied on.”

“Thanks to the support of Burdekin Shire Council, our volunteers are now better equipped to respond when disaster strikes.”

 

Further information:

SES volunteers perform a wide range of functions including flood boat operations, land searches, traffic management, search and rescue, incident management and community education.

Media Contacts
QFES Media: 3635 3310
Minister Ryan’s Office: 3035 8300