MAIB Foundation funding boosts road crash rescue capability in North-East Tasmania

 

The Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) Injury Prevention and Management Foundation has committed $120,000 to strengthen road crash rescue capability in Tasmania’s North-East, supporting the delivery of two new Heavy Road Crash Rescue Vehicles for the St Helens and St Marys State Emergency Service units.

The investment will accelerate the replacement of two ageing vehicles with modern 7.5 tonne rescue trucks, significantly improving response capability in a region characterised by remote roads, high tourist traffic and seasonal population increases.

SES Executive Director Mick Lowe said the funding would deliver immediate benefits for both emergency responders and injured road users.

“This investment accelerates the delivery of lifesaving capability to some of Tasmania’s most remote and high-risk road environments,” he said. 

“Faster rescue, clearer communication and safer working conditions mean better outcomes for everyone involved.”

The MAIB Foundation funding forms part of a $360,000 project, with the Tasmania State Emergency Service contributing a further $240,000 through its State Government sponsored SES Fleet Modernisation Program. 

Vehicle construction and fit out will be undertaken by the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management Engineering and Fleet Services team.

The new vehicles will be equipped with modern electric road crash rescue tools, designed to reduce noise at crash scenes, improve communication between first responders and enable faster access to patients trapped in vehicles.

Mr Lowe said the upgrade would also support Ambulance Tasmania by enabling earlier medical intervention once patients are freed from vehicles.

“Reducing noise and improving coordination at crash scenes helps paramedics begin treatment sooner, which can make a critical difference to patient outcomes,” he said.

MAIB Chief Executive Officer Paul Kingston said the two new vehicles, scheduled for delivery within the next 12 months, will service the St Helens and St Marys communities and match the Heavy Road Crash Rescue Vehicle currently operating in the Huon Valley.

“The project aligns with the MAIB Foundation’s priorities of promoting road safety, reducing the severity of injuries from motor vehicle accidents and improving access to quality medical and rehabilitation services for Tasmanians injured on the road,” he said.

"We are currently seeking applications through the MAIB Foundation for the 2026–27 funding round, with funding available for research, education and service development projects aimed at preventing injuries and improving the management of injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents.”

“Priority areas include road safety promotion, reducing the frequency and severity of injuries, improving access to quality medical and rehabilitation services and developing new approaches to improve long-term outcomes for people injured on the road.”

Mr Kingston said the foundation was established to support practical initiatives that improve outcomes for Tasmanians affected by road trauma.

“The MAIB Foundation exists to fund research, education and service development that helps prevent injuries and improves the way injuries are managed when road crashes do occur,” he said.

Applications close on Monday 2 March 2026. 

Further information and application details are available on the MAIB website or by contacting the Foundation Secretary at MAIB.

The MAIB Foundation is separate from MAIB’s ongoing funding arrangements with the SES and supports targeted projects that strengthen injury prevention and recovery outcomes across Tasmania.

Interested parties seeking further information and/or a Funding Application should contact the Foundation Secretary at the MAIB by phone on (03) 6336 4813 or by email at execofficer@maib.tas.gov.au. 

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