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The keys to a new flood water rescue boat were handed over to the Burdekin Shire Council last Friday, April 5 for use by the State Emergency Services (SES) Burdekin Unit.
The boat was replaced as part of the Flood Boat Replacement Program, funded through the SES Major Equipment Grants, and is the third to be replaced in the region in the last 12 months.
The 5.3m Swift Marine Barge has been modified to suit the needs and requirements of local SES volunteers.
“They’re a very capable boat and really have increased our capability compared to the older boats,” said SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis.
“Our lives are made a lot easier with the good gear and we’re very grateful.”
SES Volunteers, Burdekin Shire Council staff and special guests gathered last week as the keys to a new flood water rescue boat were handed over. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The keys to a 5.3m Swift Marine Barge have been handed over to the Burdekin Shire Council as part of the SES’s Flood Boat Replacement Program.
SES Regional Director Daryl Camp said it’s the third of five boats to be replaced in the Burdekin as part of the program.
“We’ve pointed out that the Burdekin floods frequently, so they required boats quicker than normal, so we were able to get these three boats in this one year which is normally unheard of,” he said.
“Burdekin Shire Council plays a pivotal role, so we gift the ownership of the boats to Council, Council maintains them, and the SES team are the ones who respond in them.”
Mr Camp said the boats have three key functions being flood water rescue, transport of goods and reconnaissance.
“These boats will handle fast flowing water and they’re just as at home in what we would call Stillwater,” he said.
“They’ll float in about 20cm of water so it can be used in flooded streets as well as in rivers.”
SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis said SES offers volunteers an accredited course to become a flood boat operator.
“We train three or four times a year using these boats and it’s about getting to know the equipment, getting to know the boat’s capabilities,” he said.
“We’re directed in marine and land search by the water police, so if there is need for a vessel to do a search, we’ll be called in.”
Since Christmas day, the SES Burdekin Unit has completed over 1,400 unpaid hours completing 141 jobs across the region.
“The volunteer workforce in Australia is the biggest workforce anywhere and I’d really like to point out all of these people at Burdekin SES are all volunteers,” Mr Camp said.
“The time and effort they give is to make this community safer all year round.”
Another boost to the Unit is the return of John Winn who has been appointed Deputy Local Controller alongside Laurinda George after stepping down from the position of Local Controller last year.
“John was recently appointed as a life member of the SES and part of that is to share their experience, so John has stepped up to the plate once again by accepting the role of Deputy Local Controller so that he can mentor, advise and assist all the other volunteers,” Mr Camp said.
“John has been in SES for 37 years, so he knows most of what goes on and he’s been a wonderful mentor,” added Mr Francis.
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.
L-R Member for Mundingburra Les Walker, SES Ayr Deputy Group Leader John George, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis
SES Regional Director Daryl Camp, SES Burdekin Deputy Local Controller John Winn and SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis
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