Key Facts:
Flood rescue capability and emergency response in the Central West has been strengthened with the delivery of a brand-new High Clearance Vehicle (HCV) to NSW SES Forbes Unit.
The $1 million High Clearance Vehicle will enhance Forbes volunteer's ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.
The boost to Forbes' emergency fleet is part of a combined $11 million dollar investment from the NSW Government, delivering 11 new High Clearance Vehicles across the state.
Flood rescue capability and emergency response in the Central West has been strengthened with the delivery of a brand-new Generation Four High Clearance Vehicle (HCV) to NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Forbes Unit.
The $1 million High Clearance Vehicle will enhance Forbes volunteers' ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the investment by the NSW Government ensures volunteers are equipped with purpose-built fleet to keep communities safe.
"This new high clearance vehicle will make a significant difference to the Forbes community and can be pre-deployed to surrounding areas to bring rapid help when people need it most," Minister Dib said.
"I know it will make a real difference in protecting communities and supporting our volunteers."
Member for Orange Phil Donato said the vehicle based in Forbes would be available to respond across the region.
"This new vehicle will be a welcome addition for our community and having it based in Forbes will mean it will be ready to respond wherever it is needed during extreme weather events," Mr Donato said.
NSW SES Acting Southern Zone Commander Brett Koschel said the new addition to Forbes' fleet is a step forward for the Central West's flood and disaster response capability.
"Whether it's wading through more than a metre of floodwater, or delivering supplies to residents cut off by floodwaters, this new specialist vehicle means that help will arrive faster when the community needs it most," Chief Superintendent Koschel said.
HCVs 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 HCVs enhance crew protection, comfort 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.
The new specialist HCV was handed over to the NSW SES Forbes Unit during a familiarisation weekend, where members gained hands-on experience operating the vehicle before it enters service.
NSW SES Forbes Unit Commander Robert Walshaw said members are thrilled to add the new vehicle to their fleet.
"In 2022, we experienced the worst flood in decades for Forbes, which inundated hundreds of homes and businesses," Inspector Walshaw said.
"This enhancement to our high clearance vehicle fleet strengthens our operational capability, so we're better prepared than ever for whatever weather the future may bring."
In the last 12 months, NSW SES Forbes Unit members have responded to more than 70 incidents, including storm-related damage, road crash and general land rescues.
The boost to Forbes' emergency fleet is part of a combined $11 million dollar investment from the NSW Government, delivering 11 new High Clearance Vehicles across the state.
To further enhance emergency response in the Central West, a new HCV was also handed over to NSW SES Dubbo Unit during the familiarisation weekend.
