New tanker huge boost for volunteer fire service

EMERGENCY Services Minister Tony Kelly, joined by Member for Heathcote Paul McLeay, handed over a new rural fire service tanker to volunteer firefighters at the Helensburgh brigade station last Friday.

Mr Kelly said a new $240,000 bushfire tanker would boost the Helensburgh community’s bushfire and emergency protection.

“This new $240,000 tanker, replacing an earlier vehicle, will be a welcome addition to the Helensburgh brigade,” Mr Kelly said.

“The Iemma Government’s is committed to ensuring RFS volunteers have the equipment to protect local communities effectively and safely.”

Mr McLeay praised the volunteers’ hard work and commitment to their community.

“The Helensburgh brigade has provided 67 years of continuous service not only to the local and greater Wollongong area but also to the broader community, as it is often called in to major fires across NSW and even interstate,” Mr McLeay said.

“In addition to firefighting, the volunteers receive regular call-outs to respond to motor vehicle accidents and vehicle fires.

“The brigade also is well-known for its work in community education and its willingness to support other community groups and their events throughout the year,” Mr McLeay said.

Mr Kelly said the Iemma Government had this year provided a record $168.1 million to the RFS - an increase of $27.9 million (20 per cent) on last year

The funding has been used to purchase an additional 260 bushfire tankers; $51.7 million in brigade equipment, maintenance and operating costs and upgrades to brigade stations and fire control centres across the state.

“The State Government will continue this support," Mr Kelly said.

"It is an investment in helping people and communities, such as those in Helensburgh, to protect themselves from fire hazards,” Mr Kelly said.