Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, centre left, presents keys to the new light response vehicle to Armidale SES Unit Local Controller Josh Osborne, flanked by Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant and local SES volunteers today.
Friday, 10 November 2017
ARMIDALE’S defence against natural disasters has been substantially improved with NSW Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today officially presenting Armidale’s State Emergency Service (SES) Unit with a new light storm emergency response vehicle.
Mr Marshall handed over keys for the $179,000 purpose built light response vehicle to Armidale SES Local Controller Josh Osborne, describing the new vehicle as a “powerful tool” for combatting nature’s worst.
“This custom vehicle will allow our 50 local volunteers to respond to the devastation caused by storms, floods, hail and wind more effectively and safer than before,” Mr Marshall said.
“This modern and sleek emergency response truck is a major change of tack from older vehicles supplied by councils and demonstrates that the NSW Government is committed to providing our SES volunteers with state-of-the-art equipment.
“Design improvements like a sliding ladder system, purpose built trays and a powerful floodlight system have come after in-depth discussion with NSW SES units and will give our brave volunteers a substantial advantage when combatting nature’s worst.
“The vehicle has already been put to good use – with the local unit attending to dozens of calls after a substantial hail storm earlier this week.”
Mr Osborne said the new light storm truck would help volunteers carry out important emergency response work including responding to important storm response work, land search and support to other emergency services.
“The Mercedes Sprinter AWD Crew Cab Chassis truck has many state of the art features including roller shutters, a purpose built chainsaw maintenance drawer, internal LED lighting and a custom made protection bar fitted with a winch and driving lights,” Mr Osborne said.