Page 831 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 March 2019
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MS FITZHARRIS: I refer Miss Burch to my previous answers. There is a very robust framework in place that can give the Canberra community assurance about this process. It is a nationally recognised process. ONRSR is a very well-regarded, nationally recognised body that has certification and regulatory responsibilities for all rail projects in Australia.
Light rail—emergency preparedness
MR HANSON: My question is to the minister for emergency services. Will all emergency equipment needed for operation of light rail be ready on 20 April?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Hanson for the question. Yes is the answer. We are already prepared for light rail. We have specialised pods and equipment already in place and the truck used to transport them to an incident is already staffed 24 hours a day by trained firefighters. The equipment that has been purchased are two 50-tonne hydraulic ramps and two 35-tonne air bags used to displace or remove industrial-strength or heavy objects. Noting that the mass of light rail is 40 tonnes, the equipment allows rescuers to lift a light rail vehicle to a sufficient height to access any trapped casualties.
As part of the planning process ACT Fire & Rescue benchmarked rescue techniques and equipment used for light rail services nationally. ACT Fire & Rescue is confident that planned arrangements for emergency incidents including the light rail provide an appropriate level of protection to ensure public safety. The community can be confident in the knowledge that trained firefighters with the right equipment will come to their aid in the unfortunate event that they are required.
MR HANSON: Do emergency services staff have the required people ready for a response to a light rail incident should it occur on 20 April?
MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, as I said earlier, trained staff are ready to respond 24 hours a day with the appropriate equipment.
MRS JONES: Have emergency services personnel had adequate training to deal with what they might have to deal with in the event of any light rail incident after 20 April?
MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, they have been trained. We used experiences in other jurisdictions to ensure that people undertaking the levels of training are competent to deal with these sorts of events. I am very confident in the training, the qualifications and the skills of ACT Fire & Rescue to deal with any such event.
Light rail—emergency preparedness
MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Minister, have front-line firefighters employed by ACT Fire & Rescue received hands-on training to deal with a light rail incident?
MR GENTLEMAN: Yes, they have.
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