A new policy announcement by the LNP to introduce a dedicated $10 million Emergency Volunteers Fund has been welcomed by the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club.
LNP Shadow Emergency Services Minister Tim Mander visited Bundaberg today to outline the new dedicated Emergency Volunteers Fund, where organisations could apply for and receive assistance to improve local community resilience and maintain or increase capacity.
“Each year Queensland experiences extreme weather events and it’s important we provide our volunteer organisations with the equipment and facilities they need to deliver emergency services,” Mr Mander said.
“These funding grants for vital equipment and supplies would provide a more secure financial footing for volunteer organisations like the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club.”
Speaking alongside the Shadow Minister at the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club today, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the policy would provide greater support to the region’s volunteer organisations that support the Bundaberg and Burnett communities.
“Our dedicated volunteer organisations receive some government assistance, but they also have to rely heavily on community support and generosity to provide vital emergency services,” Mr Bennett said.
“This is about acknowledging the critical role our hardworking volunteers play in helping our communities cope with emergencies and making sure they are equipped with the resources they need to get on with their job.
“The Bundaberg region is no stranger to extreme weather events, so it’s important we provide our volunteer organisations with the equipment and facilities they need to come to our community’s aid.
“These investments benefit residents through quicker responses to emergency events and help people in their time of need.”
Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club President Lynda Cremer welcomed the initiative.
“The Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club would welcome the opportunity to apply for assistance, particularly with equipment upgrade and replacement,” Mrs Cremer said.
“The cost of an IRB is around $25000 for a hull and a motor, so to have the opportunity to replace this vital equipment with a grant would be wonderful for our hardworking volunteers.
“Like many other emergency volunteer organisations, our members are rostered to provide a service then need to spend time and energy fundraising to ensure our equipment and facilities are replaced and updated.
“Defibrillators and Oxyvivas are not cheap pieces of equipment and due the harsh environment we use them in, they deteriorate a little faster than expected.
“A rescue board costs $2000 delivered to Bundaberg and to ensure members can train and provide an effective rescue service we need six or seven in good condition at any one time.”
The LNP fund will be rolled out over three years and consists of two key elements:
Equipment Upgrade and Replacement ($6.8 million over three years)
200 x $25,000 grants under the Major Equipment fund over 5 funding rounds, and
360 x $5,000 grants under the Minor Equipment fund over 5 funding rounds.
Build Capacity and Improve Resilience ($3.2 million over three years)
40 x $50,000 grants under the Minor Improvements Fund over 3 funding rounds, and
12 x $100,000 grants under the Major Improvements Fund over 3 funding rounds
ENDS.
Friday, 30 June 2017