State Emergency Service (SES) groups across Queensland have benefitted from $258,000 worth of new equipment under its partnership with Energy Queensland and Powerlink Queensland.

A total of 160 SES groups have received crucial equipment through the Energising Queensland SES Equipment Program.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach said SES volunteers would put the equipment to good use to support their communities.

“The new equipment includes stretchers, power tools, CPR kits, lighting and chainsaws,” Mr Leach said. 

“Our volunteers are at the ready to support the community through a range of emergencies, and having up-to-date equipment means they always have the right tools for the job.

“The ongoing generosity of our partner organisations has helped the SES build capacity that has a direct and positive impact on communities across the state.

“It has helped make Queenslanders more resilient when preparing for and recovering from natural disasters.

“We once again saw this first-hand with the severe weather event which recently impacted the state.”

Energy Queensland CEO Rod Duke said both Ergon and Energex have been long-time supporters of the SES and looked forward to another year assisting their invaluable volunteers.

“When natural disasters strike Queensland there’s two absolute guarantees the state experiences,” Rod said.

“There’s always the unfortunate damage to property and disruption to lives but, on the positive side, there’s a sea of invaluable volunteers in orange overalls working hard helping the community back on its feet.     

“These members of the SES not only help make lives in the community better during and after emergencies, they also provide significant support to Energex and Ergon crews out there getting power back on.

“And for their tireless assistance for our crews and the wider community we are proud to continue our decade-long support of the amazing work they do.”

Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said being able to provide support to Queensland communities when they needed it most was extremely important.

“The severe weather event the state has faced recently and the emergency work carried out in response has shown us firsthand the vital contribution this partnership makes,” Mr Simshauser said.

“Delivering new and valuable response equipment to SES groups ensures they can access the vital support they need.

“We are proud to deliver a partnership program that makes a significant difference to our Queensland communities.”