BIG BOOST FOR NORTHERN RIVERS FIREFIGHTERS WITH UNVEILING OF NEW VEHICLE

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) members on the state’s Northern Rivers have received a major boost to help fight fires this bush fire season with the handover of a new fire truck.

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant, Nationals Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW Ben Franklin and NSW RFS Chief Superintendent Tim Butcher today officially handed over the new resource to the Mullumbimby Brigade.

Mr Grant said the new Category Seven pumper for the Mullumbimby Brigade, worth $197,000, would enable the brigade to provide an even greater level of fire protection to the local community.

“The NSW Government remains committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible equipment so they can get on with the job they do best – protecting our local communities,” Mr Grant said.

“Our ongoing investment in new vehicles ensures the NSW RFS have access to modern firefighting technology when responding to fires as well as other incidents across the state.”

Mr Franklin said the Mullumbimby Brigade is a very active unit, often dispatched to bush, grass, and structure fires as well as motor vehicle accidents, so these new trucks will prove invaluable.

“While the brigades’ previous resource served them well, I am confident this new state-of-the-art vehicle will prove even better as we continue through what is expected to be a very challenging bush fire season,” Mr Franklin said.

“I would like to thank the Mullumbimby Brigade, along with every volunteer in the Far North Coast District for their dedicated service to and for the local community.”

NSW RFS Chief Superintendent Tim Butcher said the dedication of Far North Coast Team volunteers is always appreciated, and this new vehicle will support the brigade to continue their outstanding work.

“These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution,” Chief Superintendent Butcher said.

“I would like to congratulate all volunteers for their ongoing hard work and professionalism.”