Volunteers from three South Coast and five Sydney Metropolitan Marine Rescue NSW units have today headed west to assist the NSW State Emergency Service in supporting flood affected Riverina communities.
The South Coast volunteers, from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Merimbula units, will be joined by members from the Marine Rescue Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Botany Port Hacking units, and will be based in the towns of Deniliquin, Barham and Moama.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said that the 14 volunteers would replace a contingent of 12 South Coast volunteers who were today wrapping up their week long deployment to the flood zone.
“Over the past week our initial deployment of volunteers from the South Coast have been busy filling sandbags, protecting at risk properties, undertaking on-water patrols, and checking local levee systems,” Mr Barrell said.
“With levees now in place and floodwaters reaching their peak, we are anticipating our crews being busy in the coming weeks with the resupply of isolated properties, undertaking rescues, and in on-water patrols.”
“Our volunteers are highly trained and experienced, and are looking forward to using their skills in helping flood-affected communities through the current flood emergency.”
Also travelling to the area today is an additional rescue vessel, X20, bringing the number of rescue vessels able to be deployed to five.
Marine Rescue Illawarra Duty Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan said the communities of Moama, Barham and Deniliquin had been delighted to have the assistance of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, and had made them feel extremely welcome during their deployment.
“Over the past week our volunteers have worked closely with our emergency services partners including NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Police Force, in supporting flood affected communities,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Our members are here for the long haul, and we’re looking forward to continuing to help those in need for as long as we are required.”
