State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers in Far North Queensland have received $60,000 in equipment to help them purchase vital new equipment, including generators, lighting equipment, chainsaws and polesaws.
Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the funding was part of the $200,000 Energex, Ergon and Powerlink have provided to help SES brigades across Queensland bolster their frontline toolkits.
“Cyclones are a fact of life that up here in the Far North but locals will often turn to SES volunteers first in the wake of a disaster while emergency services attend to areas and people in crisis,” Mr Pitt said.
“This new equipment will certainly help volunteers better respond in an emergency.
“I’m thrilled to be handing over this equipment as part of National Volunteer Week, running from May 9 to 15.”
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne said the financial support would give the Cairns SES the resources it needed to act in times of need.
“SES volunteers commit their own time to serving their communities, so it is important they have the tools to respond effectively when called upon,” he said.
“The Far North is no stranger to severe weather events. With these added resources, SES volunteers can continue to help vulnerable members of the community.”
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said Powerlink staff see firsthand the vital work of SES volunteers during severe weather events, particularly in the Far North.
“The work these volunteers do to help keep communities safe during these times is invaluable, so we are pleased to be able to assist them through this partnership.”
Ergon’s Chief Executive Roslyn Baker said many Ergon staff are SES volunteers.
“We are very happy to be able to help provide this financial assistance to support the purchase of new equipment, which will help local SES branches provide valuable assistance during disaster response,” Ms Baker said.
SES Regional Director Wayne Coutts said the new tools would be put to good use.
“Our SES volunteers are often on the frontline working with Ergon and Powerlink during severe weather events, and this support will enhance an already strong relationship,” Mr Coutts said.
“Their financial support means our SES volunteers in the region will be better equipped to serve their community and deal with emergency situations.”
