- Seven appliances to boost rescue and firefighting capability ahead of bushfire season
- North-east metropolitan emergency services have attended 3,568 incidents this year
- Cook Government commitment to ensuring Western Australians have access to the services they need no matter where they live
Seven world-class vehicles have been officially handed over to career and volunteer emergency services personnel in Perth's north-east ahead of the high threat period.
The appliances represent a $3.5 million investment from the Cook Government which will enhance firefighting and rescue capabilities in the vast region spanning Perth Stadium to Bindoon.
Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe, representing the Emergency Services Minister, met with staff and volunteers on Thursday, handing over the keys to three 4.4 Broadacre Tankers, two Light Tankers, an Urban Pump Type 1, and a General Rescue Ute.
The 4.4 Broadacre Tanker, received by Muchea, Chidlow, and Stoneville bush fire brigades, is a rugged appliance valued at up to $570,000 which carries 4,600 litres of water and has four-wheel-drive capability for reaching fires in difficult terrain.
Midland Career Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) and Upper Chittering Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade's new Light Tankers, valued at up to $320,000, are fast and mobile firefighting appliances with improved off-road capabilities and the latest in crew protection, including automated vehicle location, deluge water systems, and in-cab emergency air units.
The Urban Pump for Kiara CFRS is valued at $1.1 million and is a versatile piece of equipment, ideal for the blend of residential, industrial, and bushland in the eastern suburbs and Swan Valley.
Mundaring State Emergency Service's (SES) new General Rescue Ute, valued at $152,000, has improved crew safety and efficient layout for responding to incidents at all hours of the night and day including search and rescues, flood, and storm damage.
The north-east metropolitan region comprises five CFRS stations, two Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service brigades, one Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services brigade, four SES units, and 19 local government-managed Bush Fire Brigades spanning three local government areas.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Career and volunteer emergency services personnel work tirelessly to protect lives and the environment, and these new appliances will improve crew safety and capability as they respond to incidents including bushfires, structure fires, road crash rescues, and severe storms.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, thank you for your dedication and commitment to community safety and I trust these cutting-edge appliances will enhance your response this bushfire season and for many years to come."
As stated by Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe:
"The community in my electorate of Belmont is truly grateful for the incredible volunteers and firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us all safe.
"Emergency services in this region have an important role in keeping Western Australians safe, reacting to more than 3,500 incidents in the north-east of Perth this year.
"I am proud that our government is equipping our frontline workers with world-class equipment."
As stated by Klasey Hirst MLC:
"These new vehicles are a major boost for local brigades and units who work around the clock to keep our communities safe - from the suburbs to the Perth Hills and right through to our regional communities.
"This investment will strengthen our response to emergencies and help protect local communities throughout the bushfire season.
"Our government continues to deliver real support for our emergency services across Perth's north-east."
