Tweed emergency rescue volunteers will be even better equipped to protect the local community with new funding for a new rescue vehicle, as well as equipment and training, under the NSW Nationals in government.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said Tweed Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) is set to receive a brand new quick response vehicle, additional equipment and training as part of $18.8 million in new funding over four years.

“This funding boost will help the VRA provide even greater assistance to the people of Tweed during road crashes, land searches and vertical rescues,” said Mr Provest.

“Tweed VRA President Drew and his team are a dedicated group of volunteers who live and work in our community, so it’s great to be able to support their incredible ongoing efforts.

“This funding boost for our local community is only possible because of the strong financial management of the NSW Nationals in government.

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the additional funding would make an enormous difference to volunteers and the people they support.

“VRA volunteers often face challenging emergencies across regional NSW, so we want to do everything we can to ensure they’re as safe as possible when responding to help others,” Mr Grant said.

“This additional funding will enhance the VRA’s capabilities to attend incidents in the Tweed region and across the state.”

NSW VRA Commissioner Mark Gibson welcomed the NSW Nationals’ additional commitment to the VRA and its talented volunteers.

“This year marks 50 years since the VRA was established, and while our volunteers are the absolute backbone of our operation, we couldn’t continue without funding and support, so the NSW National’s pledge is crucial to our ongoing work,” Mr Gibson said.

“Our incredible volunteers carry out thousands of rescues each year, from bushland areas to alpine regions and everywhere in between – this support will only strengthen those efforts.”