A SATELLITE State Emergency Service (SES) unit will be established in Gawler by a Labor Government if elected in March 2022, delivering faster local response times.

Member for Light Tony Piccolo has long been working with the Salisbury SES Unit to explore the feasibility of opening a ‘satellite unit’ in Gawler under their auspices.

The unit would be physically based in Gawler and initially under the management of the Salisbury SES until enough members have been recruited to ensure its longstanding viability.

Long-term advocate for a Gawler SES station John Lawrence said Gawler growth would generate an increase in callouts for the Salisbury station.

“Gawler is the fastest growing area in the state and Salisbury is at least a 20-minute drive out here and that’s a long way,” he said.

“The response times to requests for assistance in the Gawler area are poor.

“A Gawler unit would mean a much faster response and also a significant increase in numbers for the SES as well because there’s guys that want to join, but Salisbury is too far.

“I am aware of more than 20 people who are keen to join SES but, for one reason or another, will not join the Salisbury unit.”

Speaking at the Salisbury SES Open Day on Saturday, Mr Piccolo announced that “a Malinauskas Labor Government will deliver a dedicated local SES Unit in Gawler if elected.”

He said the establishment of a local SES unit is vital, as the nearest unit is in Kapunda.

“Having a local presence will be very important in attracting new volunteers to the service,” Mr Piccolo said.

“A preliminary investigation indicates that a capital cost of about $2 million will be required to establish the unit.

“Now is the time to commit to establishing the facility to ensure volunteers are trained and ready to meet the challenges of the planned population increase.”

The North Para and Gawler River systems are known as flood risks in the area, and flood on average every 10 years.

“I would expect a Gawler unit to develop specialist knowledge of the river and its flooding patterns and be able to respond more quickly effectively than is now the case,” Mr Lawrence said.

“While Gawler has CFS and MFS units we cover all the things they don’t like weather-related incidents, flooding, roof leaks, cars crashing into buildings, land searches etc.”

Mr Piccolo praised the existing SES units but said more volunteers were needed and a permanent presence in Gawler would help attract new members.

“No experience in emergency or rescue services is required to join the SES as a volunteer as they provide a very comprehensive training program,” he said.

“Volunteering for the SES is a great way of becoming involved in the community, and also helps you keep fit.”

Meanwhile, last year the SES acquired land on Two Wells Road, Willaston which could house a new unit, among other emergency services and community uses.