Fire and Rescue NSW deploys innovative vehicle ‘decontamination gantry’ to flood zone | Port Macquarie
Published: 29 May 2025 04:20pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has deployed a portable decontamination gantry system to support multi-agency flood response efforts in Port Macquarie, marking the first operational use of the system.
The system was developed following lessons learned during the 2021 floods where decontamination methods proved risky and labour-intensive for emergency services personnel.
The gantry is portable and can be deployed to relevant incidents in a matter of hours.
It enables rapid and effective cleaning of flood-contaminated vehicles before they return to base or enter the community.
On Wednesday, the system processed more than 150 vehicles and decontaminated over 250 personnel.
Superintendent HAZMAT and Counter Terrorism, Greg Wright said the gantry represents a significant advancement in FRNSW’s approach to both HAZMAT response and environmental protection.
“In the past, vehicle decontamination was conducted using labour-intensive methods such as pressure washers and hoses, which is time-consuming and also exposes personnel to unnecessary risks.
“This system significantly reduces both risk and resource requirements, allowing crews to return to their base with a reduced risk of injury or illness, allowing them to focus their efforts on community recovery.”
Media note – Footage of the decontamination gantry operating at Port Macquarie is available here: https://vimeo.com/1088649689/50da306504?share=copy
Updated: 06 Mar 2026 6:11pm