New emergency response vehicles ready to serve Sorell

The Rockliff Liberal Government is supporting our emergency services with fit-for-purpose infrastructure and vehicles unveiling two new Road Crash Rescue vehicles and a Storm Trailer for the Sorell Emergency Services Hub.  

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said these state-of-the-art vehicles have been provided through a Tasmanian Government investment of $420,000 to establish an SES emergency response capability within the Sorell Emergency Services Hub. 

“In March this year we opened the $12 million Sorell Emergency Services Hub, bringing together SES, TFS and Tasmania Police in one custom-built facility,” Minister Ellis said.

“This is the first time Sorell has had a dedicated SES presence and they are already proving invaluable having used these vehicles to attend motor vehicle accidents in the region. Prior to this, the closest SES unit was in Mornington.  

“Our Government is giving the SES the tools they need to keep Sorell and surrounding communities safe.  

“These new Road Crash Rescue vehicles (one a heavy rescue and the other a rapid intervention Road Crash Rescue vehicle), have been custom-designed and fabricated by DPFEM’s talented Engineering and Fleet Services in Cambridge to suit the needs of the SES responders to provide first class rescue service to the region.

“These new state-of-the-art vehicles will enable the delivery of critical Road Crash Rescue Emergency Response within the Sorell and greater East Coast region, which is one of the fastest growing in Tasmania. 

“Features of the heavy duty RCR includes an in-built power inverter which can power the extrication tools, as well as external lighting so our volunteers can work in all weather conditions.

“The heavy duty RCR is also dual cab so can fit a whole crew and has key safety and ergonomic features to keep our volunteers safe and the rapid intervention vehicle is designed to move swiftly to arrive at an emergency scene quickly and provide that initial response.

“The Storm Trailer holds key response tools and supports needed by our emergency responders and can be taken anywhere in the region to support responses.

“Under the Emergency Management Act, local councils are responsible for the provision of these resources, however, the State Government has seen the need and stepped in to fund these critical vehicles.”

Minister Ellis said the Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to protecting our urban and regional communities and these new vehicles will ensure the South-East community has first rate equipment for emergency response.