SA emergency services gets $9.4m boost
SA emergency services gets $9.4m boost
07 February 2010
published by news.smh.com.au
Australia — The South Australian government has used the anniversary of the Black Saturday Victorian bushfires to reveal it will provide nearly $10 million extra for SA’s volunteer-based emergency services.
“Devastating events such as the Black Saturday, Ash Wednesday and Eyre Peninsula bushfires show just how far our emergency service workers are prepared to go to put their lives on the line to help others,” Premier Mike Rann said in a statement.
“That’s why we are delivering nearly $10 million in upgraded equipment and resources – to ensure they are trained and able to do their jobs in difficult and extreme circumstances.”
The $9.4 million funding boost will include $5.6 million to roll out 1050 new computers for volunteers and broadband connectivity for all Country Fire Service group control centres and brigades and SES units, $3.55 million to accelerate building and maintenance works, and $225,000 to purchase 750 new pagers for CFS and SES volunteers.
A property status audit is also underway that will determine priority upgrades and those that require upgrades further down the track.
“Volunteers have a long and proud history of going above and beyond the call of duty to help South Australians and this funding will further strengthen the outstanding work that they do,” Mr Rann said.
