The Northern Territory Emergency Services Volunteer Unit in Alice Springs will be showcasing a new addition to their fleet tonight, when they unveil their new sandbagging trailer.

Designed and built locally in Alice Springs by Stuart Highway Autos, the sandbagging trailer was funded through a grant from the Northern Territory Disaster Resilience Fund.

With the flood season in Alice Springs fast approaching, the addition of this asset increases the capability for NTES Volunteers to respond to severe storms and flooding.  Volunteers will be demonstrating the capability of this new asset tonight, highlighting the benefits of the trailer to the community.

“Capable of filling up to 480 sandbags per hour, the twin bagging hoppers allow for two people to fill sand bags at the same time,” said Acting Regional Manager Southern Region, Keith Lewis.

“The hoppers can be filled using a backhoe, bobcat or manually using the conveyor belt.  The trailer is fully self-sufficient with on board power, fuel and all tools required for the task.

“Built 4WD tough, the trailer can be deployed across the country as required, can be towed by most vehicles, both 2WD and 4WD, and has been designed to access remote communities where 4WD access in required.”

The Alice Springs Volunteer Unit will be holding a BBQ and presentation of their new Sandbagging Trailer, commencing at 6pm tonight.