Emergency services get $60k boost from Ergon and Powerlink

State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers in Far North Queensland have received $60,000 in equipment to help purchase generators, lighting equipment, chainsaws and pole saws.

The funding is part $200,000 provided by Energex, Ergon and Powerlink to help SES brigades across Queensland bolster their frontline toolkits.

Severe weather, including cyclones, occur regularly in the Far North, and Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said SES volunteers are often the first to attend to communities in crisis.

“This new equipment will certainly help volunteers better respond in an emergency. I’m thrilled to be handing over this equipment as part of National Volunteer Week,” he said.

Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said Powerlink staff see the vital work of SES volunteers firsthand during severe weather events.

“The work these volunteers do to help keep communities safe during these times is invaluable, so we are pleased to be able to assist them through this partnership,” she said.

Ergon’s chief executive Roslyn Baker added many Ergon staff are SES volunteers themselves.

“We are very happy to be able to help provide this financial assistance to support the purchase of new equipment, which will help local SES branches provide valuable assistance during disaster response,” Ms Baker said.

 

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