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Monday, 27 June 2022

The NSW State Emergency Service’s first custom-built High Clearance Vehicle, known as a Unimog, has arrived at its new permanent home of Lismore.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Unimog is one of six to be acquired by the State Emergency Service (SES) as part of a $4.6 million investment.

“These specialist trucks have the ability to operate in 1.2 metres of water and can also serve as a mobile communications hub, making them a real asset during flood operations,” Ms Cooke said.

“SES volunteers in Lismore were on the front line of the February-March flood event and are the first Unit in the State to permanently host this asset, boosting their capability when communities in the Northern Rivers face flooding.

“By acquiring these six new Unimogs the NSW Government is ensuring the SES boasts the most capable and advanced fleet of flood operations vehicles in Australia.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York said of the six Unimogs being added to the SES fleet, three vehicles are being custom-built while three have been supplied by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“The ADF Unimogs were utilised during the Northern Rivers floods earlier this year and have already proven to be life-saving. To build further capability in this particular area, which has just suffered the most devastating floods the community has ever seen, is very important,” Commissioner York said.

Lismore City Unit Commander Lacy Loloa said volunteers are very excited to be the first Unit in NSW to permanently house a Unimog.

“We look forward to further enhancing our flood rescue capabilities with this new asset. This will be a huge help when we’re called to assist the local community once again in a time of need,” Ms Loloa said.