An Albanese Government will boost the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters like fires, floods and storms by providing $4.95 million to local emergency services.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman stated that under the plan;

• $50,000 would be provided to every Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigade across the region for needs like equipment or capital improvements;
• $300,000 would be provided to improve Blue Mountains Fire Control;
• $300,000 would be provided to improve Hawkesbury Fire Control
• $1.1 million would be provided to Blue Mountains State Emergency Service (SES); and,
• $1.1 million would go to Hawkesbury SES.

“Susan Templeman has been a relentless advocate for disaster preparation, mitigation and recovery, as well as for her local emergency services,” Ms Albanese said.

“I know this is an absolute priority for her, and for the people of the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury region.

“The people of this region deserve a Federal Government that plans ahead to improve the safety of the community.”

Ms Templeman said Labor’s investment in the region would deliver much-needed improvements for the volunteers who helped keep the local community safe.

“Our region has been through so much, from the bushfires that destroyed homes and businesses in 2019 to the floods that washed away our roads in 2021,” Ms Templeman said.

“We know severe weather events are on the horizon, and we must equip those who protect our community with the resources they need to prepare and prevent.

“Local brigades know best what they need, and local headquarters knows what is best for the region. This funding will deliver the flexibility they need to pursue what they know will protect volunteers and the community.

“Fundraising has been next to impossible in the current COVID environment, and when I speak to brigades, their needs are individual and varied. 

“Some will put this funding towards better basic facilities like toilets for volunteers, others will improve telecommunications, update their IT, or get preferred hose fittings – we’ll leave it to those experts on the ground to channel the funding where it’s needed most.

“Some will spend this funding on basic facilities like toilets for volunteers, others will improve telecommunications, update their IT, or improve hose fittings – we’ll leave it to those on the experts on the ground to channel the funding to where it’s needed most.

“I’ve rolled up my sleeves and worked alongside the volunteers who loaded helicopters with food when the Hawkesbury was flooded, and I’ve been in headquarters every morning when bushfires were bearing down on our villages. 

“I’ve seen the enormous work our volunteers do, and they’ve told me how things could be done better. 

“Our volunteers are selflessly protecting our community. I am proud to support them, and fight for the funding they need to keep us all safe.”