Last week Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay handed over the keys to a new state of the art rescue vehicle for the Tenterfield State Emergency Service.
The $105,000 Isuzu Crew Cab is a step up from the 15 year old Mitsubishi Canter it replaces and will carry six volunteers andprovide better access to rescue equipment.
It was funded by a state grant of $80,000 and $25,000 from Tenterfield Shire council.
The MP said the new vehicle would help strengthen the capacity of the Tenterfield SES to respond in times of floods, storms, road accidents and other emergencies.
“Our communities rely on the SES volunteers who give so much of their time for training, planning and organising as well as always being on call,” he said.
“It’s good to see the government replacing older vehicles and equipment to ensure the volunteers are in the best possible position to undertake rescue work which is often difficult and dangerous.
“We are all grateful for the contribution members of the SES makes to our communitiesand their dedication should never be taken for granted.”
Mr Torbay warned that increased red tape and fear of litigation was threatening the volunteer movement nationwide.
“Governments should clear the way to make it easier for volunteers, not more difficult” he said.
“I have come across several cases where people have threatened to give up because of the increasing barriers put in their way.
“At national, state and local level we rely on volunteers.
“No total value estimate can be placed on their work but we know it is worth billions of dollars and that right across the community we rely on them and do not want to see their efforts discouraged.”
