In a significant enhancement of emergency response capabilities in regional and rural New South Wales (NSW), VRA Rescue NSW has expanded its land, water and aerial capabilities thanks to grants and donations from government, businesses and local communities.
During the official handover in Dubbo recently of nine new specialist rescue vehicles, collectively valued at over $1.1 million, these essential resources mark a significant commitment and continued support by the NSW Government to improve regional and rural rescue services.
Of the new specialised vehicles set to enhance capability across regional NSW, three light rigid 4WD remote access vehicles will be stationed at Junee, Gulgong, and Mudgee, with six personnel carrier 4WD remote access rescue vehicles sent to Narrabri, Taree, Binalong, Central Coast, Mendooran and Brunswick Heads.
Three Major Incident Support trailers and two lighting towers will further support the fleet, improving response capabilities during major incidents.
Lighting towers will be stationed at Coolah and Bega local headquarters.
Leeton, Narrandera, Dubbo and Narromine will also benefit from specialist Breathing Apparatus and Confined Space Rescue equipment uplifting operational capability and ability to support other agencies during emergency events where breathing apparatus is required.
VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton insisted that “this investment will help ensure that world-class rescue services are consistently delivered throughout rural, regional and remote areas of NSW, regardless of environmental or terrain challenges.
"We are grateful to the NSW Government, as well as business and local communities, for their steadfast and generous support” he said.
