NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant has announced a $56.4 million investment in the NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) fleet program.

The massive fleet upgrade will see NSW’s 9500 SES volunteers resourced with almost 500 new vehicles, marine vessels and trailers, provided for in the 2018 NSW Budget.

Mr Grant said the work of NSW SES volunteers is vital and their contribution invaluable.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Mid North Coast Region will receive a new mobile command van – SES27.

The van is equipped with its own power supply, satellite communications, mobile WiFi connectivity, independent radio repeater and an audio visual display system.

The van will arrive on the June 26 and will be used to manage and coordinate SES field operations as a totally self-sufficient forward command post.

Meanwhile the a $130,000 upgrade to the Mid North Coast Region Incident Control Centre will be completed.

The upgrade providing state of the art audio visual and real time display systems for incident management teams to coordinate emergency response operations across the mid north coast region from its Taree facility.

The upgrade comes after the connection of the NBN and installation of a $50,000 UPS system to complement the facility’s independent power supply.

The centre can now ensure major operations across the mid north coast can be maintained and controlled even when utilities servicing the area are interrupted.

A $5,000 Ark Angel Flood Rescue raft will be provided to the Wingham SES unit.

At Laurieton, a major upgrade of the Camden Haven SES headquarters will be undertaken in partnership with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

A $200,000 upgrade to buildings improving facilities, access and egress are included in the works.

In partnership with Mid Coast Council, the commencement of works to build a new Forster-Pacific Palms Unit Headquarters in Tuncurry costing approximately $400,000 is underway. This facility will replace the building at Pacific Palms and will ultimately provide a state of the art facility in which the local SES Unit can house its equipment, manage response operations, train and prepare.

The Mid North Coast Region Controller Tony Day said all are significant investments by both state and local governments in the facilities, equipment and people that make up the NSW SES Mid North Coast Region.

“These investments will go a long way to helping the NSW SES meet its goal and vision in saving lives, protecting communities and becoming the best volunteer emergency service in Australia,” he said.

“It is envisaged the bulk of the works will be completed by the end of the financial year along with the supply of the equipment. Official handover ceremonies are being planned and coordinated once works are completed and the new equipment arrives.

“It is important we recognise this has been a joint effort between the NSW SES, state government and local government to deliver on these projects and equipment. Our focus is ensuring we have the best facilities, equipment and arrangements in place to support our communities and the volunteers who serve them in emergencies.”