- $1.4 million investment by the Cook Government in fleet upgrades to enhance emergency responses across the East Kimberley
- New million-dollar vessel and new appliance for the Marine Rescue East Kimberley
- Crossing Falls Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade receives Light Tanker to support local volunteers
Community safety across the East Kimberley has had a significant boost with a $1.4 million investment by the Cook Government to enhance a range of emergency services operations.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson announced today that Crossing Falls Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in Kununurra and Wyndham's Marine Rescue East Kimberley would receive fleet upgrades to help volunteers keep residents and visitors safe in the region.
As part of the package a $1.1 million, 11-metre Rigid Hull Boat, King George, was officially handed over to the Marine Rescue East Kimberley, providing more scope to cover the treacherous seas off the State's north coast. The vessel is named after the region's King George River and Falls.
The volunteer group will also gain a Dodge RAM 4x4 worth $110,000 to help tow the group's secondary rescue boat.
Response times for the Crossing Falls Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade will be enhanced by the arrival of a $250,000 Light Tanker that also provides protection for volunteer firefighters with safety features including automated vehicle location, radiant heat shields, burnover blankets and in-cab air units.
The new resources were funded through the Emergency Services Levy.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"With fire seasons becoming longer and more unpredictable, the Cook Government continues to build and enhance preparations by providing brigades, like Crossing Falls Brigade, with the latest firefighting vehicles and equipment.
"For our marine rescue volunteers in the East Kimberley, who deal with some of the most challenging open waters in Australia, we are committed to providing them with modern resources to keep our communities safe at sea.
"Our amazing volunteers are the lifeblood of WA's emergency services, especially in regional and remote areas.
"The Cook Government appreciates and values their commitment and dedication in rallying to help their fellow Western Australians."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It is great to see another commitment from the Cook Labor Government that will help keep communities safer in the Kimberley.
"The new 11-metre King Georgevessel will be a formidable asset for our Wyndham Marine Rescue group as will the new Dodge RAM 4x4 which increases access for the groups' secondary rescue boat.
"We also welcome the latest addition of the new $250,000 Light Tanker to the Crossing Falls Brigade. The added protection and safety features of this vehicle provide much needed protection for our dedicated volunteers."
Comments attributed to Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"The Light Tanker will be a valued addition to the Crossing Falls Brigade which has to negotiate the rugged Kimberley terrain to provide emergency responses.
"I am confident this appliance will boost the volunteers' firefighting capabilities and help keep the community safe for many years to come.
"The region is fortunate to have the skilled Marine Rescue East Kimberley crews ready to respond considering big tides, volatile storms and wildlife make that part of our coast a dangerous place to run into trouble.
"The King George will quickly become an asset for the group's volunteers as they navigate those waters to protect water users."
