- Cook Labor Government officially hands over eight new frontline response appliances
- New appliances to support career and volunteer firefighters and State Emergency Services in WA's South West
- $3 million investment to keep South West communities safe
The Cook Labor Government today handed over more than $3 million in new frontline response appliances to career and volunteer firefighters and State Emergency Services in the South West.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson officially presented the keys to the eight new vehicles to six brigades and units from Bunbury, Australind, Harvey, and Pinjarra.
The upgraded resources will further strengthen the region's response to bushfires, structure fires, HAZMAT incidents, road crash rescues, and natural hazards, including storms and floods.
Many of the vehicles feature new designs implemented under the Cook Government's $140 million investment in equipment, resources, and facilities for emergency services personnel.
Highlights from the new South West fleet include three improved Light Tankers worth around $240,000 each, featuring all-terrain capabilities and enhanced safety features.
Bunbury Career Fire and Rescue Service received the keys to an $813,000 Urban Pumper Heavy Rescue, capable of pumping 4750 litres of water per minute and carrying specialist equipment for structure fires, HAZMAT incidents, and complex rescues.
Vehicles valued at more than $600,000 each were delivered to the Harvey and Pinjarra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
State Emergency Service units from Australind and Harvey each received a General Rescue Utility worth about $150,000 to support their response to storm and flood incidents.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"While the South West is a prime tourist hotspot with spectacular beaches, bushland, and attractions, it's also one of the busiest regions for our emergency services.
"Bushfires, road crash rescues, and storm damage are just some of the many incidents our dedicated career and volunteer personnel respond to year-round to keep local communities safe.
"With dangerous bushfire weather forecast to stretch into autumn, these new vehicles will be extremely valuable for crews.
"The Cook Government is committed to providing WA's frontline emergency services personnel with state-of-the-art equipment that is versatile and fit for purpose.
"We're investing more than $140 million in new equipment, resources, and facilities as we continue working towards a safer State."
As stated by the Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"Thank you to the Cook Government for the $1.56 million contribution to providing vital equipment for the Bunbury Career Fire & Rescue Service and Bunbury Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
"The three new appliances are a welcome addition to the Bunbury fleet, to protect the local community against fire and to support the outstanding work of our career and volunteer personnel."
As stated by the Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"It's very exciting to see this significant investment in emergency services appliances across the South West.
"This is not just an investment in equipment, it's an investment in people and communities and the people who protect us when we need it most.
"The Cook Labor Government is doing what's right for WA, ensuring our communities have the resources, facilities, and equipment they need to respond effectively to emergencies and safeguard lives and property."
As stated by the Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"We are delighted to be included in the Cook Government's financial boost for the State's emergency services in the South West.
"Our volunteer emergency services' units work tirelessly around the clock to keep our communities safe.
"The addition to the Hazmat Structure Rescue appliance for Harvey VFRS, an Urban Tanker for Pinjarra VFRS and the General Rescue Utility for Harvey SES will make an incredible difference to enabling these essential services to continue to provide the life-saving role that they do."
Appliances delivered to brigades and units in the South West:
Bunbury CFRS:
- 2 x Light Tankers (approximately $250,000 each)
- 1 x Urban Pumper Heavy Rescue (approximately $813,000).
Bunbury VFRS:
- 1 x Light Tanker (approximately $250,000)
Harvey VFRS:
- 1 x Hazmat Structure Rescue appliance (approximately $660,000)
Pinjarra VFRS:
- 1 x 3.4 Urban Tanker (approximately $620,000)
Harvey SES:
- 1 x General Rescue Utility (approximately $150,000)
Australind SES:
- 1 x General Rescue Utility (approximately $150,000)
