New SES Vehicles Strengthen Emergency Response Across Livingstone

Published on 01 July 2026

The Yeppoon State Emergency Service (SES) today took delivery of two new emergency response vehicles that will significantly boost the region's capability to respond to natural disasters, emergencies and community needs across Livingstone Shire.

Funded through the Queensland Government's SES Support Grant initiative, the vehicles form part of more than $95,000 allocated to the Yeppoon SES Group to replace ageing fleet assets and strengthen operational readiness across the region.

The newly acquired vehicles have been fitted with a range of essential accessories including heavy-duty trays, ladder racks, winches, light bars, upgraded suspension and electronic brake controllers, enhancing the SES's ability to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group and Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said the new vehicles represented an important investment in community safety and resilience.

"Livingstone Shire covers more than 11,500 square kilometres, from our coastal communities through to remote and rural areas that can become isolated during floods, cyclones, bushfires and other emergency events," Mayor Belot said.

"These vehicles will provide our SES volunteers with the equipment they need to safely and efficiently reach communities, conduct disaster response operations, undertake land searches and support recovery efforts across the region."

"Today's handover reinforces Council's commitment to safeguarding our community and ensuring our emergency services have the resources they need to protect lives and property."

"Importantly, this investment also recognises the incredible contribution of our SES volunteers, who continually step forward to support our community during some of its most challenging times."

Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton welcomed the funding outcome for the Yeppoon SES Group, saying the investment would strengthen emergency preparedness across the region.

"Livingstone Shire faces a range of natural disaster risks and it's critical our SES volunteers have access to modern, reliable equipment to carry out their important work," Mr Hutton said.

"These new vehicles will improve operational capability and help ensure local volunteers can continue providing vital support to communities across the Shire when they need it most."

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said these grants were an investment in the State’s resilience, helping the SES respond and support the community in times of crisis.

"Our SES groups play a critical role in natural disasters and our Government is pleased to be able to boost capability ahead of the next major weather event," Minister Purdie said.

"These grants will help ensure SES groups are armed with the essentials to help them continue to perform their great work to keep communities safe, right across Queensland."

The Yeppoon SES Group was one of 32 groups across Qld to receive funding through the 2025/26 round of SES Support Grant initiative, which delivered almost $2 million in grants statewide for vehicles, facilities, training infrastructure and security upgrades.

Yeppoon SES Local Controller Mark Smalley said the new vehicles would make a significant difference to volunteer operations and emergency response capability.

"These vehicles are a welcome addition to our fleet and will greatly improve our ability to support the community during emergencies and disaster events," Mr Smalley said.

"Our volunteers rely on safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose equipment to carry out their duties, often in challenging conditions and remote locations."

"On behalf of our members, I'd like to thank Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government for their ongoing support of our volunteers and recognition of the important role the SES plays in keeping our community safe."

The vehicles will be used for a wide range of operational activities including disaster response, land searches, training exercises and transporting personnel and equipment to isolated communities during emergency events.