Three massive generators, capable of powering hospitals, evacuation centres and even supermarkets in a natural disaster, have been added to the Albanese Government's growing National Emergency Management Stockpile (NEMS).
The NEMS is Australia's first readily deployable stockpile of essential disaster goods and services which has been steadily expanding since it was setup by the Albanese Government late last year.
The two 850kVA and one 500kVA emergency generators will support State and Territory-led emergency response capabilities when the grid goes down.
The generators will be stored in Victoria and can be deployed nationally to power infrastructure critical to community safety.
Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the power generators would significantly increase the ability of authorities and communities to respond to emergencies.
"This announcement is about being more prepared than ever before for the upcoming disaster season," Minister Watt said.
Over the years we have seen the impact that power outages during a fire, flood, storm or cyclone.
"All of a sudden, things like getting up-to-date emergency warning information, keeping food and supplies fresh, and even powering equipment crucial to saving lives at hospitals or emergency centres becomes extremely challenging.
"The Albanese Government is taking direct action by making these deployable generators available wherever they're needed, helping to better prepare ahead of the next Higher Risk Weather Season."
Equipment from the NEMS is typically deployed when State or Territory governments seek emergency assistance from the Federal Government.
Earlier this year, the Stockpile helped disaster-impacted communities in Far North Queensland with temporary accommodation assets deployed to house volunteers supporting disaster operations.
Since then, the Albanese Government has established the Emergency Goods and Services Procurement Panel to make it easier for authorities to access and deploy critical resources from a national pool of suppliers faster and at competitive prices.
The panel was established several months ahead of schedule.
"Our latest $27 million commitment for the NEMS will include reusable goods and services, as well as emergency shelter camps, water desalination and purification systems, emergency power generation, and a strategic reserve of disaster management consumables," Minister Watt said.
"The NEMS is one of a range of measures the Albanese Government is rolling out to help ease pressure on Australian Defence Force personnel and equipment during natural disasters.
"The Government is also investing more to grow and shape the future fleet of disaster response aircraft with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre and working with veteran-led volunteer organisation Disaster Relief Australia, to expand their operations and get more boots on the ground to help with recovery efforts."
These new generators were purchased through the standing offer panel from supplier Anywise - an Australian project management firm and Certified-B Corporation established to deliver ethical and social benefits, putting 20 per cent of its profits to philanthropic pursuits.
For more information visit NEMS.
