Upper Hunter residents will be better protected this summer thanks to a $1.4 million delivery of four new trucks to local Rural Fire Brigades.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell was joined by Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke and Rural Fire Service (RFS) staff and volunteers at Bulga today to officially hand over the keys to the new trucks.
“The volunteers from Bulga, Glennies Creek, Putty and Whittingham Brigades benefitting from this investment are very active RFS members and do an incredible job at protecting local communities from bush fires, building fires and a range of other risks like vehicle accidents, floods and storms,” Mr Layzell said.
“Each of these new appliances are state-of-the-art and I am confident they will be invaluable to our volunteers, ensuring they have access to modern firefighting technology.”
The trucks being officially handed over include:
· A Category 1 appliance worth $340,000 for Bulga Brigade;
· A Category 1 appliance worth $340,000 for Glennies Creek Brigade;
· A Category 1 appliance worth $340,000 for Putty Brigade; and
· A Category 13 bulk water appliance worth $390,000 for Whittingham Brigade.
Ms Cooke said the additional trucks will help firefighters and communities to stay safe this summer.
“This year’s record-breaking rainfall has caused the most significant grass fire risk our State has seen in more than 10 years,” Ms Cooke said.
“As the warmer weather sets in, the landscape will dry out and this increases the risk of dangerous and fast-moving grass fires. I am urging everyone to know your risk, be prepared and familiarise yourself with the new Fire Danger Rating System.”
Manager of Community Risk for the RFS Hunter Area Command, Superintendent Paul Best, said the new trucks will enhance the protection each Brigade provides to the communities they protect.
“While the existing trucks have served our Brigades well, it’s important that the newest and safest equipment is provided for our members to best serve communities,” Superintendent Best said.
“These trucks will be greatly welcomed by the local Brigades and their community.”
Since the 2019-20 Black Summer bush fire season, the NSW Liberal National Government has funded more than 400 fire trucks for RFS Brigades across the State.
