SES boost for City of Moreton Bay

A new $7.5 million SES depot has opened in the City of Moreton Bay, which will boost the service’s fleet and personnel capacity.

The facility at 12 Old Bay Rd, Deception Bay, is six times larger than the 40-year-old depot it replaces and can accommodate four times more volunteers.

It includes operational areas, expanded storage and the capacity to house an enhanced fleet which includes general response vehicles, an all-terrain vehicle, flood boat and command capability.

It comes as demand soars, with the SES experiencing a 187 per cent increase in requests for assistance since the 2022 floods.

During the past three weeks, Moreton Bay SES volunteers have completed more than 1300 support tasks across South East Queensland.

The new Deception Bay depot was officially opened on December 6 and was delivered through a 50-50 funding arrangement, with Moreton Bay City Council and the State Government each contributing $3.75 million.

Mayor Peter Flannery says he is thrilled to see the project come to fruition after years of planning and advocacy.

“The new Deception Bay SES Depot provides unprecedented capability for the SES in City of Moreton Bay, giving our hardworking volunteers access to the latest equipment and training they need to help our residents in their time of need,” he says.

“It was only last year, through solid Council advocacy, that City of Moreton Bay received election commitment funding and in just 12 months, we’ve seen the depot built. This is a significant achievement.”

In a timely boost for Deception Bay’s first responders, the SES Group will welcome a record 35 new recruits who will now begin their onboarding process.

Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Councillor Matthew Constance (Div 10) says it will be the city’s largest single group onboarding, significantly bolstering response capability.

“Since the 2022 floods, there has been a 187 percent increase in requests for assistance from the SES across City of Moreton Bay outside of major operations. Those requests will only increase as our city grows and I’ve got no doubt this facility will help meet that demand,” Cr Constance says.

In a nod to the past, a framed piece of wall from the old depot, built by the original members of the Deception Bay SES Group in 1985, will be put on permanent display in the new facility, alongside the original depot’s plans.

Cr Sandra Ruck (Div 5) says it is important to honour Deception Bay SES Group’s rich history as it transitions into a new era.

“It is fitting to acknowledge the immense contributions of all of those volunteers over the decades who have proudly donned the uniform,” she says.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie says: “This facility has been purpose-designed with our SES members in mind, giving them the space, equipment and infrastructure they need to continue their lifesaving work.

“The Deception Bay SES Group has been serving this community for 40 years and, today, they finally have a modern, fit-for-purpose home that reflects the scale of the work they do.”

SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong says the new facility would support the vital work of SES volunteers.

“Our members selflessly dedicate their personal time to supporting the community during its most challenging moments, often in the face of extreme weather events and emergencies,” Dr Armstrong says.

“This new facility not only improves the SES group’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents but also provides a safe and functional space for volunteers to train, plan and operate.”

The Deception Bay SES Group services an area stretching from Deception Bay to Laceys Creek in the west and plays a critical role in Queensland’s disaster readiness and response.