Kiama is due to receive new SES vehicles as part of a state government initiative to strengthen disaster response and recovery operations.
Manufactured in Port Kembla, the new 4WD flood rescue vehicles have a custom-built body for flood rescue equipment, and are designed with enhanced offroad capability, as well as integrated stowage for inflatable flood rescue rafts.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the investment in the vehicles is to ensure those who are running towards danger have the tools they need to do so safely.
“These new vehicles ensure we are giving our frontline emergency services the equipment they need to respond faster, reach more people in isolated areas and carry out rescues in some of the most challenging conditions,” Dib said.
The new vehicles arrive on the heels of an increase of incidents responded to in the past 12 months, which has been categorised as the busiest year since 2022.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnson said these vehicles are a significant step forward in flood and disaster response capability.
“We’ve worked closely with our volunteers and technical experts to ensure these designs meet the realities of field operations; whether that’s wading through more than a meter of floodwater, navigating fire trails, or delivering supplies to communities cut off by floodwaters,” Johnson said.
The addition of these vehicles to the NSW SES fleet across regional parts of the state, including Kiama, will increase volunteers’ ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.
“This investment brings our total number of high clearance vehicles to 20 and means our dedicated members will be able to work more safely and effectively when the next emergency comes,”
Article by Paige Jenkins
