THE hard working volunteers of the NSW SES Units of Taree City and Forster Pacific Palms will be ready for this storm season with the delivery of two brand new storm response trucks.
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The new medium storm trucks, with a combined value of $419,000 have been provided following an extensive design process undertaken by the NSW SES to meet the service's vehicle operational needs into the future.
Member for Myall Lakes Mr Stephen Bromhead MP joined NSW SES Mid North Coast region controller Stephen Hart in handing over the two new emergency response vehicles to volunteers at Taree City headquarters on Wednesday, August 19.
"The storm response trucks are the result of hard work and collaboration between the NSW SES and its members to ensure that the volunteers have vehicles that are safe, responsive and best meet their needs in responding to emergencies and disasters," said Mr Bromhead.
NSW SES region controller Stephen Hart said the new truck represented the best practice in their design for storm response vehicles.
"These vehicles will prove invaluable in helping the volunteers to respond even more effectively to emergencies in their communities. The vehicles set the benchmark for similar vehicles across Australia and I congratulate the work of the fleet project team in their development," Mr Hart said.
The trucks include seating for six occupants and the ability to carry approximately 700kg of equipment.
One of the key features of the trucks is the Teklite light mast that extends to six metres and comes with wireless remote control.
This will provide greatly improved lighting during night time operations.
The NSW government has committed $46m over five years to the centrally managed fleet project in 2012 to ensure the NSW SES fleet is safe, well maintained and fit for purpose.
The project - the largest in NSW SES history - has resulted in the agency acquiring ownership of all its operational fleet from local councils to improve safety and reliability for volunteers, as well as designing and procuring the new storm trucks.