THE State Emergency Service Giru unit has taken delivery of a new $66,500 4.5m boat just in time for the wet season.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Bill Lowis said the new boat replaced one that was more than 20 years old.
“The old boat was supplied to the Giru SES unit in the 1980s when the district was part of the Townsville/Thuringowa Council,” Cr Lowis said.
“So it was well and truly time to upgrade," he said.
Burdekin SES Local Controller Robert Sutcliffe said the Giru unit opted for a similar design of boat as it had proved to be the best for the conditions and situations in which it was used.
“This boat is ideal for operations in Giru as it is very versatile and does not require much depth of water to float,” Mr Sutcliffe said.
“The design of the Quintrex Slogger allows for the transporting of two stretchers and an ambulance officer," he said.
“It has sufficient floor space for carrying out resupply and evacuating people when required.”
Burdekin SES Deputy Controller and past Giru Group Leader Bryan Parison said the boat would be used in a variety of situations.
“In the past we’ve used the boat to search for overdue fishermen in the local creeks, evacuate people from Jerona, transfer patients during flooding to either the helipad or to waiting vehicles on the Townsville side,” Mr Parison said.
“The Giru unit have also used it to ferry food and essential items to Giru residents during flooding," he said.
The new Giru SES boat was funded by the Support Our Local Heroes Election Commitment 2009.