A new command vehicle which could cost $150,000 is being planned by North Otago Search and Rescue, but it wants it to be a combined project with Waitaki District Council civil defence.
North Otago SAR chairman Tony Wood has asked the council to support the project, which was prompted by a review of equipment and operational capabilities in the organisation following the Christchurch earthquakes. The present command vehicle and caravan and the technology available were found to be deficient.
The council's support would help raise funds for the new command centre and he also asked it for a $25,000 input.
Mr Wood researched what other areas had available and the decision had been made to design and build a command vehicle which could be used by both SAR and civil defence throughout the district.
Cr Kevin Malcolm said a combined vehicle would be cost-effective, but he wondered what would happen if there was a civil defence emergency and a search at the same time.
Strategy group manager Richard Mabon said the SAR and Civil Defence proposals would be considered as part of the council's long-term plan and budgets.
