$1.8M Investment in North-West – West Australian Emergency Services

More than $1.8 million from the Emergency Services Levy has been invested in new vessels, all-terrain vehicles and infrastructure for Marine Rescue and State Emergency Service volunteers in the North-West, boosting capability to respond to calls for help on land and at sea.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson officially handed over the fleet during a visit to the region today.

Marine Rescue Carnarvon received their new $530,000 rescue vessel Roger Webb, named after a current life member who has volunteered with the unit for 34 years.

Built in Geraldton, the vessel includes a radio detection finder to track signals from emergency locator beacons, an infrared camera to assist with searches in low visibility and state-of-the-art navigation equipment.

Approximately $530,000 has also been invested in the construction of a two-bay shed to store the vessel and equipment.

Marine Rescue Dampier formally received their new rescue vessel Dampier Angel, valued at about $500,000, and a $130,000 heavy duty four-wheel-drive for towing in difficult terrain and remote locations.

Also built in Geraldton, the new six-metre vessel is named after nearby Angel Island and includes two 175 horsepower high performance outboard engines, the latest navigation technology, an infrared search camera and technology to track emergency locator beacons.

Marine Rescue Carnarvon’s new vessel was blessed alongside a new $122,000 general rescue utility recently delivered to Carnarvon State Emergency Service.

The rescue utility is equipped with a long-range fuel tank, enhanced crew protection features and off-road capabilities to boost life-saving work including search and rescue, storm, cyclone and flood incidents.

“Emergency services volunteers in the North-West are some of the busiest in the State, traversing a region spanning thousands of kilometres, often in remote and rugged terrain to reach people in need.

“The Cook Government is committed to helping power our dedicated network of volunteers with the highest quality equipment able to roll out anytime, anywhere.

“Importantly, each vessel and vehicle was designed with input from volunteers to ensure the layout and features meet their needs and local conditions.” Said Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson.

“The Pilbara has some of the most beautiful and rugged coastline in the world – it’s one of the things that makes the area such a great place to live.

“However, that same coastline can be treacherous, which is why it’s critical Marine Recue Dampier are equipped with the best appliances.

“This new vessel and four-wheel-drive will help these local heroes safely tackle complex rescues at sea.” Said Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel.

“From Cyclone Seroja, to the search for Cleo Smith, the volunteers from the Carnarvon SES and Marine Rescue work tirelessly to keep their community safe.

“Today’s equipment handover is a sign of the Cook Government’s respect and admiration for the work they do.

“These state-of-the-art appliances will help our volunteers get to where they’re needed most.” Said Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster.

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