Preparations are already underway for future severe weather events as a busy storm season comes to an end, with State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers responding to more than 23,000 calls and 1,500 flood related incidents.
With the weather outlook predicted to be relatively stable for the coming months, including below average rainfall forecast for May, preparations continue to ensure NSW remains ready for storms and rainy weather.
Storm seasons traditionally extend between September to April when the frequency of severe thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall increases.
As weather seasons become less predictable, the Minns Labor Government has urged communities to always be prepared for unsettled weather.
In readiness, disaster response and recovery operations across the state are being bolstered as the SES delivers 11 new specialised High Clearance Vehicles (HCV), a combined investment of more than $11 million.
The addition of these new High Clearance Vehicles brings the total number in the NSW SES to 20, more than doubling the fleet of vehicles available to help volunteers access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.
This boost to the fleet is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing investment in the NSW SES, providing volunteers with the equipment they need to keep communities safe.
Today the new vehicles were at Revesby Beach for final preparations before being dispatched to their new homes across the State. This financial year, the Government has delivered 131 new fleet assets to the SES including 44 new vehicles, 23 vessels and 64 trailers.
High Clearance Vehicles are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to complete rescues, deliver essential supplies and support other emergency services in remote and hard-to-reach locations.
As one of the most advanced flood operations vehicles in Australia, the new vehicles enhance crew protection and safety for rescued persons with a fitted canopy and side seating, while protecting equipment in harsh environments with sealed and pressurised underbody storage. They also increase operational safety and visibility with a significantly upgraded scene lighting package.
Some of the new vehicles also have the capability to carry and load heavy supplies or equipment using an integrated crane, which will strengthen resupply and recovery missions.
This storm season, NSW SES responded to more than 1,500 flood-related incidents, with many requiring vehicles that can get through deep water and reach people in remote or cut-off areas.
The HCV vehicles are being delivered to multiple flood and storm hotspots across the state including Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Forbes, Goulburn, Ku-ring-gai, Mid North Coast, Moruya, Murwillumbah, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, and can be deployed out of
area during severe weather events.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“I would like to thank our NSW SES volunteers for their dedicated efforts this storm season, and the community for heeding the advice of emergency services.
“The work doesn’t end here for the SES and this multimillion-dollar investment by the Government ensures volunteers are equipped with purpose-built fleet to keep communities safe all year round.
“These 11 new high clearance vehicles will make a significant difference to communities across NSW and by placing them in key locations we can pre-deploy them or respond quickly during storms to bring rapid help when people need it most.
“I know they will make a real difference protecting communities and supporting our volunteers.”
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said:
“This investment brings our total number of High Clearance Vehicles to 20 and represents a significant step forward in our 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 and the unique challenges we face here in NSW.
“Whether it’s wading through more than a metre of floodwater, navigating fire trails, or delivering supplies to residents cut off by floodwaters, this new fleet means that help will arrive faster when communities need it most.”
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