The capability of the Taree State Emergency Service (SES) unit has received a significant boost through the arrival of a new truck and vessel.
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Volunteers recently met with Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott to take possession of a generation four bowloader punt and light storm truck.
Deputy unit commander Suzie Pietrowiec accepted the keys on behalf of the crew.
The truck and punt replaces former general purpose vehicles which caused volunteers some headaches due to ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Local commander of the Mid North Coast SES cluster Glenn Laycock said the truck will be used for delivery and transport purposes while the punt will be ideal for rescue situations.
"It improves our capability, even if it's perhaps just another boat in some people's eyes," My Laycock said.
"It's a craft that's worthwhile having and it will improve our support for the community."
Mr Laycock said the new additions bring a 'reliability' factor to the otherwise aging fleet of vehicles.
The truck and punt were purchased through a $330,000 NSW government grant.
"It's fantastic support for our local unit that does so much, particularly during floods, storms and even during the recent fires," Mr Bromhead said.
"This is also a thank you to their dedication and their help to the community."
It's also good news for the community as the unit plays an important role in emergency situations.
"I think the community supports the SES historically in Taree, the Manning Valley and the southern areas," Mr Bromhead said.
"This is a high risk area for storms and so I'm sure our community will be very supportive of this equipment coming to the SES."
Mr Elliott said the new equipment is part of a multi-million dollar upgrade across NSW.
"What we are seeing is a step up for the SES, it's bringing them into the 21st century," Mr Elliott said.
"We have been very blessed in NSW with a culture within our emergency services and that means we can attract good recruits, both salary and volunteered.
"The SES is about to crack 10,000 volunteers and they complement the police and work well with the Rural Fire Service."
Mr Bromhead and Mr Elliott also met with the Forster and Pacific Palms unit, which received new vehicles.
More vehicles are set to be rolled out to other units across the Myall Lakes electorate.
