A NEW 6.5-metre punt will give Albury SES members greater ability to do flood rescues and navigate a shallow Murray River.
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The vessel, known as a bow loader, will be the largest in the unit's fleet, joining tinnies and inflatables.
The bow of the twin-engine punt can be opened to easily transport motorbikes, a quadbike or stock.
Albury deputy unit commander Darren Hawke said the boat would allow large numbers of people to be brought to safe ground during floods and help transport those with river access that are stranded by bushfires.
It will be used as far downstream as Tocumwal on the Murray River.
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"We're really happy that the management have identified a need for this, having the weir here and and river here it will be very useful and we've trained people here ready to use it," Mr Hawke said.
The boat, general use vehicle and new storm response truck, worth $420,000 in all, were handed over to the unit by NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott on Thursday morning.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the new vehicles should help draw more recruits to the SES branch of about 40 members.
"The punt here is going to be really important, given we've got the river activities," Mr Clancy said.
Mr Elliott said emergency services were receiving record government funding.
"My focus over this term of government is to ensure that people know that just because you're a volunteer doesn't mean you're not a professional," he said.
