- Cook Government delivers modern firefighting appliance to Pilbara volunteers
- Latest fleet addition is part of a $2 million commitment to bolster Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
- Light Tanker to enhance safety of volunteer firefighters on the frontline
The Cook Government continues to support emergency services volunteers in the Pilbara with the provision of a new Light Tanker to boost firefighting responses in the region.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson formally handed over the appliance to the Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) today as part of the State Government's $2 million funding commitment to support the brigade.
The Light Tanker, worth $275,000, will enhance emergency response times and has state-of-the-art safety features to support the welfare of volunteers as they keep communities across the Pilbara safe.
The arrival of this new appliance follows the Government's funding of $1 million to upgrade the Karratha VFRS station and $813,000 for an Urban Pumper Heavy Rescue vehicle for the brigade.
The new Light Tanker has been kitted out with safety equipment to protect volunteers, such as radiant heat shields and burn-over blankets, as well as an automated vehicle location.
Karratha VFRS was established in 1973 and responds to a range of incidents including road crash rescue, HAZMAT control, as well as structural and bushfire firefighting.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Volunteers are the backbone of emergency services across Western Australia. Our communities wouldn't be protected without their efforts.
"The Cook Government is committed to providing the best resources and the latest equipment to support our hard-working volunteers.
"As a Member of Parliament who represents the Pilbara, I'm acutely aware of the outstanding contribution by the Karratha VFRS in protecting lives, homes and businesses and I have great pleasure in handing over more equipment that helps them to keep the region safe."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"It's great to see more investment in our emergency services in the Pilbara. This is not just about new appliances - it's about supporting the volunteers who are there when we need them most.
"The Cook Government is ensuring our communities have the best resources and facilities to respond to any challenges that the Pilbara throws at them.
"Last year, our Government also committed $1 million to upgrade the Karratha VFRS station and supported the arrival of a new $813,000 Urban Pumper Heavy Rescue.
"It's great news that the Karratha VFRS is now receiving a $275,000 Light Tanker - another important investment ensuring our volunteers have the tools they need to keep us safe."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Karratha VFRS is one of the heavy hitters in emergency services, helping communities across the Pilbara stay safe as well as supporting other areas of WA.
"While the new Light Tanker will greatly assist the brigade in its emergency responses, importantly it also has the latest safety features to ensure our dedicated volunteers are kept safe on the frontline.
"Over the past two years, the Karratha VFRS has attended more than 450 incidents so I know the new appliance will be an asset to volunteers as they strive to protect communities across the Pilbara."
