Upgraded Taree City SES headquarters opens
31st October 2009Ministerial media release
The Taree City State Emergency Service Unit headquarters had been upgraded, at a cost of more than $200,000, in readiness for the summer storm season, Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said today.
Mr Whan said the extended headquarters, opened today by SES Commissioner Murray Kear, had transformed the operating conditions for the unit's volunteers.
"The Taree region is frequently struck by flooding and severe storms. The unit's volunteers responded to a succession of floods earlier this year, culminating in the May event that isolated more than 20,000 people in Northern NSW," he said.
"The upgraded operations and communications centres and the addition of new offices will enable the volunteers to respond even more effectively to floods on the Manning River, as well as to storms and other disasters.
"This work, costing $208,000, represents an investment in the safety of the residents of Taree and surrounding areas and, importantly, of our volunteers."
Mr Whan said the Rees Government had recognised the important work of the SES with record funding of $59.7 million this year and thanked the volunteers for their continuing hard work and commitment to serving the community.
SES Commissioner Murray Kear, who was joined by Taree City Mayor Councillor Paul Hogan and volunteers at the opening, welcomed the improvements for the unit's members.
"The upgraded facilities will boost the Unit's ability to respond to requests for assistance from the local community and also to provide out of area assistance when needed," Mr Kear said.
"The people of NSW know they can always rely on the volunteers from the SES to come to their aid in times of emergency.
"Day or night, in the most inclement of conditions, they will respond to a call for help swiftly, professionally and in good spirit."
Upgraded Taree City SES headquarters opens (PDF 32KB)