Emergency Services

Council supports the local State Emergency Service with the provision of adequate resources for the programs which it undertakes during the year. Council aims to continue supporting the local SES branches located in Queenstown, Zeehan and Rosebery and to ensure that the resources provided are adequate to meet the needs of the units.

With trained volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the SES provides vital services to the West Coast community, including:

• Road crash rescue for all West Coast roads from the Cradle Mountain turnoff to Derwent bridge (and all in between);
• Search and rescue;
• Air observation;
• Assistance with storm and flood damage;
• Support for Police, Ambulance and Fire Services at crime scenes, accidents and fires;
• Traffic control and first aid at public events;
• Vehicle recovery.

In 2007 the Zeehan and Queenstown SES units also began assisting the Royal Flying Doctor Service by conducting "Roo Runs"at the Strahan Airport.  These inspections check for animals and debris at the arirport and are carried out to ensure the safety of the aircraft and the patient.  Such inspections can occur any time during the day, whenever a critacally ill patient is required to be flown out for treatment.

West Coast Emergency Services

Emergency Services on the West Coast has a strong volunteer history, with new members always welcome.  Community members are encouraged to contact the groups below to discuss how to become involved.

West Coast Ambulance Service

The Tasmanian Ambulance Service runs four volunteer units on the West Coast:

• Strahan x 1 ambulance
• Zeehan x 2 ambulances
• Rosebery x 1 ambulance
• Tullah x 1 ambulance

These volunteer units are coordinated and trained by the paramedic who is stationed at Zeehan.  These officers usually run on a 24-hour on call, 4 days on, 4 days off roster.

In addition, there are two ambulances operated by the West Coast District Hospital staff in Queenstown.  Training and management of these Queenstown ambulances is also conducted by the Tasmanian Ambulance Service.

The West Coast is experiencing a continuing difficulty in retaining volunteers, particularly in Zeehan and Rosebery.  Should you be interested in becoming a volunteer in any of the West Coast towns please contact the Tasmanian Ambulance Service below.

• Chris Chapman, Branch Station Officer, Tasmanian Ambulance Service
• Ph: 6471 6762
• Fax: 6471 6193

Tullah Volunteer Fire Brigade

• Ph: 6473 4175

Queenstown Fire Brigade

• Bill Tiddy
• Ph: 6471 1543
• Station is located in Cutten Street
• Meets every Thursday night at the station

Volunteer Fire and Coastal Patrol

A 24-hour service managed by volunteers

• Kerry Hamer
• Ph: 6471 7210

Zeehan Fire Brigade

• Brigade Chief: Simon Phillips
• 2nd Officer: Shirley Meers
• Station is located in Main Street, Zeehan
• Ph: 6471 6476
• Fax: 6471 6666
• Volunteers meet every Monday night at the station