SES quest for new wheels

WITH the fire season fast approaching, the Rotary Club of Emerald and District has joined the campaign to raise funds for an important new vehicle for the local SES unit.
Emerald SES’s current four wheel drive vehicle cannot carry essential equipment which uses fuel, such as chainsaws, because it is an enclosed vehicle and does not have sufficient ventilation.
Therefore a new vehicle is badly needed.
The unit’s other truck also needs to be replaced.
The unit is tasked with ensuring local roads are kept clear in summer for the community to evacuate and for the CFA and other agencies to attend fires.
A new 4WD vehicle, which is estimated to require up to $50,000 to get on the road, would be well-equipped for fire support and clearing trees from roads.
It would be able to respond more quickly than the unit’s current vehicles.
And with continuously changing safety requirements to abide by, and money tight, Captain Ben Owen said his team had begun fund-raising for a new vehicle.
“The new vehicle will be a rescue support vehicle which can carry more life-saving rescue equipment than the current vehicle,” he said.
A total of $5752 has been raised so far.
Touring Emerald SES facilities, Greens candidate for Gembrook Michael Schilling said the local unit deserved more support, given that it responded to more than 950 callouts each year.
“The Emerald SES do a fantastic job at keeping the community safe in a time of need.
“It is critical the community and government get behind the SES to ensure they can continue to carry out their great work,” he said.
“They have well and truly outgrown their facility and whoever wins the election will need to immediately help redevelop the ‘shed’ to ensure the safety of our community.”
The community can donate to the unit’s cause at www.everydayhero.com.au/event/SESVehicleAppeal set up by the Rotary Club.