Emergency services volunteers in the Kimberley have been supported by $7.8 million in McGowan Government funding for state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure.
Four new, next generation Light Tankers were officially handed over today to Broome Regional Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (VBFB), Halls Creek Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES), Fitzroy Crossing VFES and Kununurra Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS).
The tankers cost $240,000 each, and were delivered as part of the McGowan Government’s $140 million commitment to upgrade emergency services vehicles across the State.
Broome VBFB Fire Station was recently completed with $1.29 million in funding, and built using 90 per cent local labour.
Marine Rescue Broome has received $770,000 for a 10-metre Rigid Hulled Boat – named Redbill III – providing volunteers with the latest search and rescue technology.
Another $187,000 grant was provided to the unit for a vehicle, and customised tractor to help the launch and recovery of marine vessels.
Kununurra State Emergency Service has gained a new flood rescue boat worth $190,200.
Marine Rescue East Kimberley was granted $194,330 to improve its Wyndham facility, and $4.2 million has been allocated in the VFRS/VFES Upgrade and Replacement Program budget for a new headquarters for the Halls Creek VFES unit.
Kimberley VFRS and VFES personnel will also undergo sizing for new structural firefighting tunics and over-trousers, as part of $4.9 million in funding to update personal protective clothing for all volunteer and career firefighters.
More Kimberley volunteers will have access to important thermal imaging cameras, with the McGowan Government providing $205,000 to expand access to the equipment across WA.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government’s investment equips our valiant volunteers with the state-of-the-art resources they need to help protect communities across the Kimberley.
“Our new Light Tankers not only help battle fires and stage rescues, but also provide updated protection for volunteers – which is so important considering the dangerous conditions in which the crews operate.
“It is imperative these volunteers at the units, groups and brigades have the most modern, efficient and safest equipment available when they answer the calls for help from the community.
“Most importantly, today’s handover of this state-of the-art equipment is an opportunity to meet with the volunteers, and to thank them personally for the extraordinary role they perform in supporting local communities.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“The Kimberley has some of the most inhospitable and challenging terrain imaginable, along with devastating weather events – such as tropical cyclones, major fires and flooding – which keep our emergency services teams extremely busy throughout the year.
“This significant investment by the McGowan Government with the latest high-tech equipment is testimony to our commitment to protecting and safeguarding our emergency services volunteers, as they go about their life-saving roles across the region.”
