March 28
$5.36 million budget surplus to boost SES capability
- The Miles Government will enhance its annual Local Government subsidy by distributing a one-off payment of between $25,000 and $107,000 to local governments across the state to provide enhanced support to their local SES groups.
- SES Groups will also be eligible for a share in a further $1.92 million in support grants for vehicles and facilities.
- The funds have been made possible due to a $5.36 million surplus of the SES Uplift Budget.
In recognition of the strong partnership between Local Government and the SES, one off payments of between $25,000 and $107,000 will be distributed to local governments across Queensland to assist local SES Groups with training expenses, operational resources, and equipment maintenance.
This is in addition to $1.7 million Local Government subsidy already delivered to councils this financial year.
A further $1.92 million will be allocated to the SES Support Grant program to support new or replacement vehicles and upgraded facilities.
In October 2022, the Government announced a significant uplift for SES, increasing the annual operational budget to $60 million.
Quotes attributable to Minister Boyd:
"When disasters such as storms, floods and cyclones strike, local governments work side-by-side with SES Groups to keep communities safe, and this support further strengthens that partnership," Minister Boyd said.
"These payments signify a continued commitment from the Miles Government to SES into the future and will further equip our volunteers to respond during emergencies.
"Council will work closely with local SES groups to ensure the finding goes where it is needed most."
Quotes attributable to Minister Ryan:
"The Government has delivered the biggest uplift to the SES in its history through the Emergency Services Reforms.
"We are only a couple of months away from the formal transition of the SES as its own entity partnered with the QPS, with its own dedicated budget and first-ever dedicated Chief Officer.
"These are some of the initial benefits we will see as part of these reforms to better support our frontline SES volunteers.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the LGAQ and all Local Governments, as we continue to build the SES into the future.
Quotes attributable to SES Chief Officer designate Mark Armstrong:
"The important role of SES has been recognised and elevated through the reforms and I am excited to support SES into the future.
"Grants like these go a long way to building the capability of the SES and I look forward to continuing to develop the strong partnerships that already exist between the SES and Local Governments.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Commissioner Steve Smith:
"I am extremely proud of our SES volunteers, who go above and beyond each year to assist Queenslanders during severe weather events," Mr Smith said.
"When they're not responding to emergencies including cyclones, storms and floods, SES volunteers assist with forensic searches, cliff rescues, and missing persons searches.
"Investing in new equipment and facilities allows our volunteers to continue to provide this exceptional service to the community."
