Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has been bolstered by the government's recent announcement of an additional $34.3 million investment aimed at enhancing its flood response capabilities.
This funding will allow for the hiring of more in-water rescue technicians, and the acquisition of vehicles and equipment.
This commitment is part of a larger $159.5 million investment into the state's flood mitigation efforts, following recommendations from an Independent Inquiry into the recent NSW flood disasters.
Enhancements to Flood Response Capabilities
The recently announced funding covers a two-year period and focuses on key areas such as training
The recently announced funding covers a two-year period and focuses on key areas such as training, equipment, and vehicles to extend the workforce of in-water specialists to 350, allocated $19.8 million.
The plan also includes acquiring three additional high-volume water pumps and increasing the capacity for bulk water transfers, with a $6.2 million investment.
Other enhancements feature the purchase of 12 inflatable motorized rescue boats, valued at approximately $1.6 million, high-clearance vehicles for accessing isolated communities, and multi-agency flood rescue kits for fire trucks, earmarked at $2.1 million. Furthermore, funds will provide additional wetsuits, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and portable radios for the in-water technicians.
Recognition of Efforts in Flood Response
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter commented that the funding signifies the government's acknowledgment of FRNSW's exceptional work during the flood-related operations led by the State Emergency Service.
Commissioner Baxter noted, "Our people have been working tirelessly across the state over the past two years, rescuing stranded residents, ferrying food to isolated homesteads, flying infrastructure reconnaissance missions with our drone fleet…even rescuing animals, including a camel stuck in the Murray River."
He further emphasized that "this funding will make a significant difference for our firefighters training in flood response and allow us to boost our capability to further protect the community."
Training for In-Water Rescue Specialists
The government funds come as numerous firefighters undergo training as In-water specialists. This realistic training is conducted at a natural water course in the Shoalhaven River near Goulburn, simulating swift-water conditions.
Recently, 55 firefighters from the City of Sydney Fire Station completed their training. An additional session for FRNSW Team Leaders was conducted in Ballina, in the state's north.
