"Very impressive."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's the verdict from Goulburn RSPCA branch member Marilyn Manfred on a new, specialised Animal Welfare Response Unit that rolled into town on Friday.
Designed to make rescues more achievable in a crisis, it will also be available for branches to use for promotional purposes.
"If booking dates permit we'd like to have it here for the Million Paws walk and the Lilac Pet Parade," said Mrs Manfred.
Launched in Braidwood on June 1, the mobile unit checked in at some of the of the 129 bushfire-affected communities RSPCA NSW provided assistance to, including Batemans Bay, Moruya, Cobargo and Eden, before making its way inland to Cooma and Goulburn.
The state-of-the-art mobile command centre, procured from the RSPCA NSW Bushfire Appeal, is part of the organisation's $2.6 million investment in emergency response infrastructure.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the tour was not only to acquaint branch members with the vehicle and its possibilities, but also to show the community what is being done with money raised over summer.
"Because we raised $6.3 million in bushfire funds, we want to be as transparent as possible to show people what we're doing with it," he said after visiting Goulburn.
From the funds raised, $1.3 million went to supp 80 townships with feed, medical supplies and general support for bushfire-impacted animals, then $2.6 million will be invested in infrastructure - such as the response vehicle - that will mobilise rescues around the state.
The remaining $2.4 million will go towards partnerships with wildlife organisations to support their work.
Mr Coleman said the unit was not a mobile vet clinic, since they preferred to partner with local vets in emergencies, but was more like a mobile community hall.
READ ALSO
"It's tricked up with all the communcation equipment, can be completely off the grid, using solar and battery," he said.
"It's got a massive awning under which we can triage animals, and a place to invite them inside to wait."
He said that when it's not needed for rescues, it will be available fpr branches.
"The volunteers I met today in Goulburn are salivating over this piece of infrastructure," said Mr Coleman.
"In 147 years of the RSPCA, we've never had something like this."
Mrs Manfred agreed, saying they were looking forward to using it at events.
"It's a win-win situation," she said.
"Both inspectors and local branches get to use it.
"Sometimes the inspectors out in the field, and have to sit under a tree and hopefully get some signal, so this will make a huge difference for them."
The organisation also acquired two animal transport trailers, to carry injured animals, and two community outreach vehicles, which will provide immediate animal welfare assistance and education across the state.
RSPCA NSW staff, including the Inspectorate, will be better equipped to immediately respond to calls for help with the acquisition of emergency communication equipment including satellite phones, disaster PPE such as breathing apparatuses, and other vital equipment.
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.
