The South Australian SES has taken on the delivery of four new Isuzu trucks to add to its fleet of emergency response vehicles.
Provided by North East Isuzu, the four vehicles total a value of $1 million. They are kitted out with emergency response equipment including battery operated cutters and spreaders, power tools, high output lights, communications equipment and multipurpose ladders.
Two will be used as specialist road crash rescue vehicles, deployed in Barmera in the Riverland and the South Coast Service Unit in Port Elliot. The other two, general purpose rescue vehicles, will be deployed in Adelaide itself in Prospect and Sturt.
State emergency services minister Joe Szakacs says that the new trucks will offer the SES greater ability to help the South Australian community.
“It’s important we continue to provide our SES volunteers with state-of-the-art trucks to help them deliver the best service to their local community,” he says.
“These four new trucks have been strategically deployed to both metropolitan and regional stations to ensure we look after all parts of our state.
“This is a $1 million investment from the government to help our valued volunteers and I want to thank them for the incredible service they provide to their communities.”
The rollout of new vehicles across the SES will help to replace aging trucks and infrastructure, says SA SES chief officer Chris Beattie.
“The new trucks will be delivered to Prospect, Barmera, Sturt and South Coast SASES Units in the coming days to help ensure our dedicated volunteers will continue to deliver an outstanding emergency response to their communities,” he says.
“This investment helps to ensure the SES maintains a modern, up to date fleet and state-wide response capability.
“When finished and kitted out, each truck represents around a $250,000 investment in supporting communities in times of need.
“Sourced and fabricated in South Australia the trucks comprise two Road Crash Rescue vehicles for Barmera and South Coast Units and will include the latest technological advances in rescue equipment such as battery-operated cutters and spreaders.
“The two new trucks destined for Sturt and Prospect are designated general purpose rescue vehicles.”