The $5 million development of the new SA State Emergency Service (SES) Noarlunga Unit is officially complete, with the site now operational and boasting a range of modern features.
The new facility sitting on a 5000sqm block has been built to accommodate the increased capacity demanded by the population boom in Adelaide’s south.
It features a designated Importance Level 4 (IL4) five-bay appliance building, which enables it to operate independently of external utilities for up to 48 hours, and includes male and female change rooms, an external training area, laundry, bathroom and storage.
An operational building includes offices, a dedicated communications room, large training room, kitchen and bathroom facilities.
A back-up generator, 55-panel solar system and a fire and essential water storage tank with mains water pressure allow the Unit to sustain itself in times when external utilities are not available.
Units provide an important place where volunteers and staff can meet to train and coordinate emergency response activities. To mark the occasion, more than 50 Noarlunga Unit volunteers participated in a ceremonial march from their old premises to their new home.
SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie said the new Unit ensured that the SES could increase its operational response capability in line with community needs.
“Last year the Noarlunga SES Unit responded to more than 850 requests for assistance from their local community,” Mr Beattie said.
“The previous site on Brian Road, Lonsdale has served the community well since 1979 but it was time to create a more modern facility to ensure we maintain our high-level response capabilities, such as vertical rescues.”
Noarlunga Unit manager Allan Coster said that the old Noarlunga Unit has served the local community with distinction since opening in 1979.
“The new purpose-built facilities will provide extra training space ensuring we can expand our skills and conti
nue to deliver a modern emergency response to the southern area as well as promoting the great work of the SES organisation.”
Meanwhile, a new SES rescue boat has been launched in the Eyre Peninsula town of Tumby Bay.
The $500,000 vessel, named Yaragada, meaning to seek or search in the local Barngarla language, will provide a boost in marine rescue capability for the Tumby Bay unit.
Mr Beattie said the vessel represented a valuable investment in the safety of people boating or enjoying the sea within the primary response area of lower western Spencer Gulf, as well as providing support to marine operations in other areas.
“The vessel is also capable of providing valuable support to marine rescue operations in other areas, which is important given the remoteness of some waters adjacent to Eyre Peninsula,” he said.
