The NSW State Emergency Service's (SES) Woodburn has received a welcome boost to its operational capability, as the NSW Government hands over the keys to a new truck and trailer.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke has today (Tuesday 28 February 2023) handed over a brand new medium rescue vehicle and light storm trailer worth a combined value of $400,000.
"Last year's record weather events across Northern NSW had catastrophic impacts and volunteers from the SES Woodburn went above and beyond in their service to the community," Ms Cooke said.
"The NSW Government's $116 million fleet replacement program continues to support local SES units with the provision of brand new equipment.
"It is vitally important that our volunteers have the very best equipment to respond to flood and storm operations."
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Damien Johnston said the two fleet assets will provide additional capability for volunteers.
"Our volunteers safeguard the community during major storm and flood events, and this investment will increase our volunteers' responsiveness when the next weather event strikes," Acting Commissioner Johnston said.
"The medium rescue vehicle will be a valuable resource when responding to general land rescues that encompass road crashes, agriculture, animals, industrial, vertical and urban search rescue.
"Our volunteers' emergency response will also be boosted as the vehicle can support storm operations, while the trailer provides increased capability to respond to dynamic situations by adding as an extension to other vehicles."
NSW SES Woodburn Unit Commander Ashley Slapp said the medium storm vehicle will become an invaluable new team member for the close knit unit of 16 people.
"Over the past year, our volunteers have responded to 250 incidents, which has been our busiest year on record," he said.
"These assets will enable us to provide a more efficient and effective service to our community, as well as transport equipment and supplies to volunteers while they are out responding to requests for assistance."
