“The opening of this new building is a proud day for the volunteers from the Leeton SES, which has been one of the few units in the State not to have had its own headquarters until now, instead sharing the Leeton Rescue Squad base,” Mr Rees said.
“The 17 members of the Leeton SES play an important role in protecting their local community during floods, storms and other natural disasters and the State Government has been pleased to support them with funding of $125,000 towards this new building.
“This funding is an investment in the safety of residents in Leeton and surrounding areas and, importantly, of our volunteers.
“This new base will enable the Leeton SES to become even more efficient in responding to calls for help from the public by providing them for the first time with a single, central base in which to train, organise emergency operations and store their equipment.
“Congratulations to everyone from the SES and Leeton Shire Council who was involved in bringing this project to fruition in recent years.”
The Poplar Avenue headquarters provides dedicated training, meeting and operations areas, a kitchen and meals area, maintenance area and storage room for the unit’s two floodboats, storm trailer, emergency response vehicle and other equipment.
The unit’s information technology also has been upgraded, with new computer equipment installed in the new building.
Mr Rees also presented two National Medals for 15 years’ service to the SES to volunteers John Brambley and Errol Boots and two 10 year Long Service awards to Ondria Miller and Peter Middleton.
“These awards are rightful recognition of these volunteers’ long and diligent service to the SES and their community. They deserve our thanks and gratitude for their commitment to serving the public, particularly in times of emergency,” he said.
SES Local Controller Peter Morris thanked the Leeton Rescue Squad for sharing its base with the SES until the completion of its own headquarters.
“These new premises will enable us to better respond to requests for assistance from the public and will provide improved facilities for our volunteers for training, operations and logistics,” Mr Morris said.
“The new information technology equipment also will assist our operators to effectively respond to and manage operational responses.”
Mr Rees said the State Government had recognised the SES volunteers’ tireless efforts and contribution to the safety of the community with record funding of $57.6 million in this year’s State Budget.
“This is a 12 per cent increase in the SES budget and will provide for additional emergency response vehicles, upgraded unit accommodation and enhanced training, development and recruitment programs,” he said.
“The past year was one of the busiest on record for the volunteers from the SES, who responded to a succession of natural disasters across NSW.
"Like every SES unit, the Leeton Unit’s 17 volunteers are ready around the clock to help when they’re needed, often in the most trying and inclement conditions,” he said.
The SES 2008/09 budget of $57.6 million includes:
• $1.6 million for rescue equipment, including motorised hydraulic cutters for road crash rescue units
• $1.5 million for enhanced communications and paging systems
• $1 million to local SES units towards their day to day expenses
• $700,000 to purchase up to 25 flood boats for local units
• $600,000 for protective clothing including, boots, jackets and gloves.
