NSW BUDGET SUPPORTS OUR FIRST RESPONDERS

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was committed to supporting the men and women who protect us during fires, emergencies and natural disasters.

The Office of Emergency Management will receive an additional $8.8 million over four years to boost the Emergency Alert warning system for mobile and landline telephones, better protecting those in the path of fires or floods.

Following a successful two-year trial, the NSW Rural Fire Service will receive $38 million to continue using Large Air Tankers and Very Large Air Tankers to fight fires across the State over the next four years.Fire & Rescue NSW will receive $51.9 million for capital works across the state, including:
-  $5.3 million over three years for a new Ryde fire station.
-  $4.8 million over three years for new West Tamworth fire station.
-  $5 million for training equipment at the new Fire & Rescue NSW Training Academy at Erskine Park.

“We are continually improving our response to natural disasters. Our emergency services volunteers and personnel perform incredible duties under enormous pressure and this budget provides assistance to help them with their important roles,” Mr Grant said.

“The water-bombing aircraft have a proven track record of combating the State’s worst fires and provide enormous assistance to firefighters on the ground.

“The upgrade to the Emergency Alert system will give residents more time and better warning about incoming natural disasters. The more this improves, hopefully fewer people will be in harm’s way when disaster strikes.

“Our emergency service workers are the selfless champions who put themselves in danger on a daily basis. This Budget provides them with the resources they need to protect us against fires, floods and other extreme weather events.”