Fire protection and the emergency response for the Ballina community will be boosted with the handover of a new pumper to Ballina Fire Station and a new defibrillator to the Marine Rescue unit.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin attended the fire station today to officially handover the new pumper worth $450,000.
The pumper is able to supply up to 3,000 litres of water per minute and features a Compressed Air Foam (CAFs) system with biodegradable foam, assisting firefighters in responding to chemical, petrol and bush fire related incidents.
Mr Elliott said the new vehicle is fitted with a GPS navigation unit and an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations.
“This truck is just one part of a large roll out of vehicles across the state that will give our firefighters the edge when responding to the various emergencies that we manage and contribute to,” Mr Elliott said.
Mr Franklin said this new vehicle would serve to improve emergency response in Ballina area providing even greater protection for local residents.
“The NSW Government recognises the wonderful work FRNSW do in responding to a range of emergencies across NSW. This pumper will go a long way to ensure they can continue to keep our communities, and themselves, safe,” Mr Franklin said.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter said FRNSW is continuing to provide its firefighters with modern vehicles that will offer top-of-the-line capabilities to protect NSW families.
“Latest figures show that Ballina firefighters respond to over 450 emergency incidents each year and partake in more than 180 community safety activities to educate the local community about fire safety, so it is fitting that they receive this new pumper.”
Mr Elliott and Mr Franklin also attended Marine Rescue Ballina to handover a new defibrillator to the unit and inspect the unit’s new crew room on a floating pontoon alongside its rescue vessel, Ballina 30.
Mr Elliott said the new equipment, worth $2,500, will ensure anyone suffering a medical emergency on the waterways will get the help they need.
“Our Marine Rescue volunteers in Ballina play a vital role in keeping the many local and visiting boaters drawn to these waterways safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“This defibrillator will now help the unit members to save lives on both the water and shore when a patient needs to be revived in a serious medical emergency.”
Mr Franklin said the pontoon, installed earlier this year in a $100,000 project, was assisting response times for crews.
“The new facilities allow crews to be on board and under way in minutes when the call for help comes, rather than driving to the boat from the unit’s base closer to the bar,” Mr Franklin said.
The State Government has invested $37.6 million over four years to deliver Marine Rescue NSW 38 new rescue vessels, improve volunteer facilities and continue upgrading the marine radio network.
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