State first for Strathalbyn SES 

A sod turning ceremony marked the start of construction of an innovative South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) unit in Strathalbyn yesterday, 17 February.

The unit to be built on Milnes Road will become the first in the state with the capability to operate in ‘island mode’ when completed.

It will be designated Important Level 4 (IL4), enabling it to operate independently of external utilities for up to 48 hours.

Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia says the unit will have two main buildings and include 36 solar panels and back-up generators to supply emergency power as well as underground water storage tanks with a capacity of 60,000 litres.

“This will be a state-of-the-art facility that is completely self-sufficient to respond to emergencies, offering a high level of protection for regional South Australians for generations to come,” he says.

“The new unit will provide contemporary training facilities including a large, external training ground, modern equipment, easy public access and ample car parking.”

SASES Chief Officer Chris Beattie attended the sod turning ceremony to officially mark the beginning of construction.

“SASES units provide a place for volunteers and staff to meet, train and coordinate emergency response activities,’’ he says.

“Strathalbyn is a growing regional centre, so it is important we continue to have a strong presence in the area.

“The new facility will help ensure we provide an increased operational response for the town and the broader Fleurieu Peninsula.”

The existing Strathalbyn SASES unit currently has over 30 registered volunteers and responds to approximately 250 Requests for Assistance each year.

A total of 5600sqm of land was purchased from the Strathalbyn Harness Racing Club to develop the new unit which will also be available to other emergency services including the Country Fire Service and South Australian Police.

It will have the capacity to house four emergency service vehicles and up to 60 emergency service personnel when construction is completed later this year.

Strathalbyn SASES Unit Manager Andrew Kerslake says the Strathalbyn Unit was established in 1987 and moved to its current site on Murray Street, Strathalbyn in 2000.

“We are always looking for new members to help the community and I encourage people to visit www.ses.sa.gov.au/volunteer or call 1300 364 587 for more information.’’