$2.9 million investment into South West Emergency Services

Emergency services in the South West have been boosted by the arrival of 11 new operational vehicles and a flood-rescue boat valued at nearly $3 million. It is hoped the upgraded fire brigade fleet will strengthen the region’s frontline response ahead of this year’s bushfire season, which is expected to hit earlier than normal in the southern parts of WA. Member for Warren-Blackwood Jane Kelsbie MLA formally handed over the appliances to 11 South West brigades and units on behalf of Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson. Eight light tankers were presented to emergency response representatives from Dunsborough, Northcliffe, Cundinup, Nannup, Augusta, Walpole and Pemberton These light tankers have state-of-the-art, all-terrain capabilities and are valued at about $240,000 each. Witchcliffe Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade was presented with a new 3.4 urban tanker valued at about $565,000 to add to its fleet. The tanker has a water capacity of 3600 litres and is critical to the region. Nannup and Walpole have each received a general rescue utility to support their responses to storm and flood incidents, valued at about $155,000. These vehicles can be driven on a standard vehicle licence, making them accessible to more volunteers. The Walpole unit also received a state-of-the-art rescue boat to help save people stranded in floodwaters, valued at about $160,000. Jane Kelsbie MLA said the vehicle roll-out was needed because of the expected early bushfire season. “I’ve been told we’re facing a tough start to this year’s bushfire season,” she said. “Warm and dry conditions are forecast for late spring, which means bushfires that start in November could escalate quickly. “The vehicles and vessel handed over today will help local brigades and units enter the high-threat period with renewed confidence.” Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the new fleet would help the volunteers who fought to keep our bushland safe. “I am so grateful for our emergency services volunteers, who’ve had extensive input into the design of the state-of-the-art vehicles and flood rescue vessel that were officially handed over today,” he said. “They are purpose-built to suit the needs of local teams, empowering our incredible volunteers in the South West to do what they do best — protect the community.”