Additional flood boats for Far North Region

by | Aug 26, 2011 | Media Releases

Premier Anna Bligh today said the State Government’s response to the flood inquiry will mean more equipment and training for the regions.

This includes the Queensland Government supplying two new flood boats to the Far North Region in 2011/12 with the first due to arrive in November.

Ms Bligh said the injection of new equipment was part of the Government’s $76 million response to the flood inquiry.

The following Far North Region SES groups will receive new flood boats in 2011/12:

  • Cairns (Stacer 489 Barra due November)
  • Babinda (5.95m Swift due February 2012)

Each vessel, including outboard motor, trailer and ancillary/safety equipment, is valued at:

  • Stacer 489 Barra $47,500, and
  • 5.95m Swift $88,000

The Far North Region will also receive an additional four Emergency Management Queensland officers who will specialise in disaster training and community engagement.

“We want to ensure that Queenslanders no matter where they live can face the storm season with the same level of preparedness and confidence,” the Premier said.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt welcomed the boost in resources.

“I know the SES team in Babinda will appreciate the Swift which is a comprehensive vessel able to carry up to a tonne.

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said: “The Cairns SES will be better equipped to respond to emergencies with the new Stacer 489 Barra.

Additional resources and training to be provided to emergency services staff across Queensland include:

  • 19 new flood boats by the end of 2011, five more by February next year, and a further 32 following that.
  • A minimum of 18 new Disaster Training courses delivered approximately 400 times across Qld.
  • A total of 2,000 additional participants in the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements Course by 1 November, in addition to the 900 particpants who have completed the course since May.
  • An estimated 200 additional SES volunteers, available for activation by 1 November, following a highly successful SES recruitment campaign which has seen nearly 800 expressions of interest to date
  • A total of 253 swift water rescue technicians (level 2) in place by end of November
  • Personal floatation devices (including for children) and waterproof radios for all frontline personnel during disasters
  • 100 helmet kits for Qld Fire and Rescue Special Operations Unit by 1 November