Media Release: NEW SPECIALIST FLOOD RESCUE VEHICLE BOOSTS EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN THE CENTRAL WEST

Editor’s note: Overlay vision of the new High Clearance Vehicles are available via hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/space/FDwi9habYj 

Flood rescue capability and emergency response in the Central West has been strengthened with the delivery of a brand-new Generation Five High Clearance Vehicle (HCV) to NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Dubbo Unit. 

The $1 million High Clearance Vehicle will enhance Dubbo volunteers' ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding. 

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the investment by the Government ensures volunteers are equipped with purpose-built vehicles to keep communities safe. 

"This new high clearance vehicle will make a significant difference to the Broken Hill community and can be pre-deployed to surrounding areas to bring rapid help when people need it most," Minister Dib said. 

"I know it will make a real difference in protecting communities and supporting our volunteers." 

NSW SES Acting Western Zone Commander Joshua Clark said the new addition to Dubbo’s fleet is a step forward for the Central West’s flood and disaster response capability. 

“Whether it’s wading through more than a metre of floodwater, or delivering supplies to residents cut off by floodwaters, this new specialist vehicle means that help will arrive faster when the community needs it most,” Chief Superintendent Clark said. 

HCVs are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to complete rescues, deliver essential supplies and support other emergency services in remote and hard-to-reach locations.   

As one of the most advanced flood operations vehicles in Australia, the new HCVs enhance crew protection, comfort and safety for rescued persons with a fitted canopy and side seating, while protecting equipment in harsh environments with sealed and pressurised underbody storage. They also increase operational safety and visibility with a significantly upgraded scene lighting package.  

The new specialist HCV was handed over to the NSW SES Dubbo Unit during a familiarisation weekend, where members gained hands-on experience operating the vehicle before it enters service. 

NSW SES Mitchell Cluster Local Commander Campbell Blair said members are thrilled to add the new vehicle to their fleet. 

“Our volunteers are committed to protecting the Dubbo community, and it's important we have the right equipment to carry out that role effectively,” Chief Inspector Campbell said. 

In the last 12 months, NSW SES Dubbo Unit members have responded to more than 270 incidents, the majority involving fallen trees and damage to properties. 

"The addition of this high clearance vehicle will greatly enhance our operational capability, allowing crews to reach isolated communities and respond to flood rescues in areas that may be otherwise inaccessible," Chief Inspector Campbell said. 

The boost to Dubbo’s emergency fleet is part of a combined $11 million dollar investment from the NSW Government, delivering 11 new High Clearance Vehicles across the state. 

To further enhance emergency response in the Central West, a new HCV was also handed over to NSW SES Forbes Unit during the familiarisation weekend. 

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NSW SES Dubbo members receive new High Clearance Vehicle

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