News
31 July, 2025
Revving responders
MORETON Bay and Somerset first responders are benefitting from hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for new equipment and upgrades.
Moreton Bay SES crews received seven new specialised Ford Ranger General Response vehicles and three General Storm Response trailers, doubling the operational capability of SES crews to respond to natural disasters.
The new fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles and equipment are the result of a half-a-million-dollar investment by City of Moreton Bay and the State Government.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the vehicles and trailers would help SES crews meet the needs of the city’s booming population in times of crisis, while boosting the response capacity of emergency services.
“The new vehicles are equipped to meet the demands of the SES, featuring improved suspension and lift for better ground clearance and performance in poor conditions, purpose-built ladder racks, 360-degree high intensity lights and a 3500kg towing capacity for speciality rescue equipment like ATVs and flood boats,” he said.
Cr Flannery said the Storm Response trailers were equally important in being able to carry vital operations equipment and supplies to SES members on the frontlines, such as chainsaws, power tools, hand tools, tarps, sandbags and rope.
The donation follows the delivery of a new people mover to Deception Bay SES group and a 4x4 dual cab general response vehicle to Woodford SES group in June.
Council will also fund the purchase of an additional dual cab 4x4 ute to act as an SES command vehicle.
In Somerset, Rural Fire Brigades (RFB) will receive over $370,000 in funding from Somerset Council through the Rural Fire Levy (RFL).
The funding request was prepared by the Somerset Local Area Finance Committee, which is responsible for ensuring the levy requests reflect the financial needs of the region’s brigades.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the money would fund critical operational expenses and capital works.
“Council levied the RFL to assist RFBs with upgrades and maintenance so they can continue providing a rural fire service to our communities,” he said.
“Our RFBs provide specialised firefighting and bush fire prevention, and assist other agencies across Somerset.
“The brigades support the QFD’s ‘All Hazards’ service delivery approach to fire and emergency service response.”
