Ashfield Leichhardt SES gains a second home
26th August 2009Ministerial media release
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Phil Koperberg yesterday officially opened the Ashfield Leichardt State Emergency Service Unit's new $112,000 base at Blackmore Park, Lilyfield.
Mr Koperberg joined SES Deputy Commissioner Greg Slater and volunteers at the opening of the new facility, which will supplement the unit's headquarters at Haberfield.
"This new facility will transform the training and operating conditions for the members of the strong and growing Ashfield Leichhardt Unit," Mr Koperberg said.
"Until now the unit's had limited space for training, equipment storage and parking at its main facility at the rear of the Ashfield library.
"This new facility, based in the refurbished park caretaker's cottage, will provide a secure garage for the unit's boat and large truck, a secondary operating and staging area and invaluable training and exercise areas," Mr Koperberg said.
Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan said the new facility would help volunteer maintain their skills.
"SES volunteers dedicate a great deal of time to regular training activities in order to develop and maintain the vital skills and expertise they need to help the community during emergencies," Mr Whan said.
"The State Government is pleased to have joined with Leichhardt Council to contribute $50,000 towards this important project to support the local volunteers."
SES Local Controller Peter Kaye said the new facility was a welcome improvement for the unit's volunteers.
"The Ashfield Leichhardt Unit plays a key role in the safety of the community, in particular responding to flash floods and storms," Mr Kaye said.
"The extra training and operations space will boost our ability to respond to requests for help not only from our local community but also further afield when natural disasters and emergencies strike in other areas."
Mr Whan thanked the Ashfield Leichhardt volunteers for their hard work to assist their community swiftly and professionally during natural disasters and other emergencies.
"The people of the Inner West know they can rely on the SES to help them in times of trouble. The volunteers deserve our gratitude and thanks," he said.
"The State Government recognises the valuable contribution of the SES to the safety and wellbeing of the NSW community with record funding of $59.7 million in 2009/10.
It includes:
- $2 million in subsidies for more than 60 emergency response vehicles
- $1.47 million for rescue equipment, including hydraulic cutters for road crash rescue
- $1.38 million in subsidies towards the cost of upgrading more than 20 unit headquarters around the State
- $700,000 for up to 25 flood boats and
- $322,000 for alpine search and rescue training and equipment.
Ashfield Leichhardt SES gains a second home (PDF 33KB)