There has been some public comment concerning the capability of the NT Emergency Service in the press over recent days. I would like to put on the public record the following facts.



In the last three weeks, fully equipped and trained NTES volunteers have conducted four interstate deployments to assist with the response to the south east Queensland Floods and Cyclone Yasi, assisted with setting up accommodation for Alpurrurulam residents who relocated to Tennant Creek, completed 135 jobs in response to Cyclone Carlos and assisted in the evacuation from Daly River. Notably, we were also in a position to offer assistance to Victoria and NSW during this time.



The status of the Darwin Volunteer Unit facilities had no bearing on the decision to centralise the NTES coordination of the response to Cyclone Carlos at Palmerston. This decision was made due to the absence of the Darwin Unit Leader in Queensland and the efficiencies gained from central coordination.



The Darwin Volunteer Unit is provided with the necessary equipment. Our policy is to provide the equipment required to maintain operational capabilities but allow individual units to raise funds to purchase additional equipment if they so wish. While the Darwin unit does only have two chainsaws on hand for immediate response and training, more equipment is held centrally for use if necessary. This is to reduce on-going maintenance costs and ensure unused chainsaws are always available for transport by airplane if required.



There has been an issue with providing raincoats due to the availability of stock. An interim solution was put into place but it seems that some volunteers may have missed out. NTES permanent staff are checking to make sure any concerns on this issue are addressed.



I would like to take this opportunity to personally acknowledge the efforts of NTES volunteers and permanent staff in responding to recent emergency events. It is a testimony to their dedication and hard work that despite the heavy workload over the previous three weeks, we still have the capacity to deploy specialist staff to New Zealand if required.



Peter Davies

Director NT Emegerncy Service



Rickie Scoot

8985 8837