Far North State Emergency Service (SES) Groups today received more than $30,000 worth of equipment including lighting and power tools to prepare for the cyclone, storm and flood season.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the funding was through a $200,000 partnership with Energex and Ergon Energy, part of Energy Queensland and Powerlink Queensland.
At an equipment handover event at the Cairns SES on Monday, Mr Ryan thanked the two energy groups for their continued partnership with the SES.
“Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen the bravery, dedication and selflessness of SES volunteers, who continue to work tirelessly to protect Queenslanders,” Minister Ryan said.
“Our heroic Orange Angels respond to calls for help at all times of the day and night, throughout all months of the year.
“This enduring partnership makes all the difference for our volunteers when it comes time for them to face future challenging situations, particularly throughout the upcoming storm and cyclone season.
“The community relies on emergency services to be there when they need them most, and having the right equipment is vital to the work they do.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy thanked local SES volunteers and staff for their efforts over what has been an extraordinary 2022.
“The dedicated and selfless work of our SES volunteers is recognised by all Queenslanders, who know our Orange Angels are there whenever disaster strikes,” Mr Healy said.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said it was important SES crews were well equipped to respond to the impact of a destructive storm or flooding.
“This funding by our energy partners means the right equipment is available to our SES volunteers to keep them doing good work in the face of natural disasters,” Mr Crawford said.
“Our SES teams get called out to remove fallen trees, patch rooves and help with flood recovery, it’s only right they have the best chainsaws, power tools and lighting to help them safely do their job.”
Cook MP Cynthia Lui congratulated Energy Queensland on the benefit the equipment will make to communities across the Far North.
“This partnership will see equipment delivered right across the Far North, from Cairns right up to Weipa in my electorate of Cook,” Ms Lui said.
“Thank you to Energy Queensland for supporting our Orange Angels as we prepare for this severe weather season.”
Speaker of Parliament and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said he was excited to see this new equipment being rolled out to so many SES groups.
“Twenty-two SES groups are going to benefit from this investment in the Far North, including a number of groups in my electorate of Mulgrave, like Gordonvale and Yarrabah
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said the SES would put the equipment to good use to support communities in severe weather prone areas.
“The new equipment includes stretchers, lighting, power tools and vehicle accessories,” Deputy Commissioner Wassing said.
“Our volunteers are at the ready to support the community through a range of emergencies, and having up-to-date equipment means they always have the right tools for the job.
“The hours that the SES dedicate to protecting Queensland communities is highly valued and appreciated.
“The ongoing generosity of our partner organisations has helped the SES build capacity that has a direct and positive impact on communities across the state.”
Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said continuing to support thousands of volunteers across Queensland was important for Powerlink.
“Powerlink is proud to deliver a partnership program that makes a significant difference to local Queensland communities when they need it most,” Mr Simshauser said.
“Supplying this valuable response equipment to SES groups across Queensland for another year ensures people in those communities can access the support they need during severe weather events and other emergency situations.
“Seeing first-hand the vital contribution this partnership makes is extremely rewarding.”
Chief Executive Officer of Energex and Ergon Energy Network’s parent company Energy Queensland, Rod Duke, praised the SES volunteers for their tireless work in every community across the state.
“Assisting the community to prepare and recover from emergencies and natural disasters is a demanding job,” Mr Duke said.
“It takes hard work, commitment and compassion, all of which SES volunteers deliver with the greatest dedication and the very reason Energex and Ergon have remained staunch supporters of the ‘Orange Army’ for more than a decade.
“Providing SES volunteers more than a $1 million worth of lifesaving equipment since 2011 is our way of saying thanks for everything they do for Queenslanders and for the assistance they provide our crews while they’re out there restoring power to communities affected by nature’s fury.”
More equipment handover events have been scheduled for Gympie, Mackay and Townsville in early 2023.
