Gull Increases Capacity for Civil Defence Emergencies

Gull Increases Capacity for Civil Defence Emergencies, Challenges Big Oil to Play Its Part

Four more generator capable outlets for Auckland

Auckland, 04 November 2013 – Gull, New Zealand’s only family owned independent fuel retailer today announced it had equipped four of its Auckland service stations to enable these outlets to operate by using a generator if the electricity supply is cut in a Civil Defence Emergency.

Dave Bodger, General Manager of Gull, says that if an emergency strikes and power supplies are cut, the greater Auckland region is woefully underserved by the oil industry.

“In May, Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (ACDEMG) and the Auckland Engineering Lifelines Group (AELG) updated the Fuel Contingency Plan for Auckland. We were disappointed with our own preparedness and worried for all of Auckland.

“For 1.5 million people in greater Auckland only six service stations had a generator for electricity on site or were capable of operating with a generator. If electricity failed, expecting emergency services, public transport and essential journeys by private car to be supplied by only six outlets was not only ludicrous but a major problem waiting to happen.

“Auckland has over 250 service stations. Six would never cope in an emergency, and while ten is an improvement, the region clearly needs more. We have provided for this capability at four Gull sites and now call on our competitors to play their part,” says Bodger.

Clive Manley, Group Controller and Manager of ACDEMG says that Auckland oil outlets have an important role to play when it comes to contingency preparedness.

“We have identified 54 Auckland service stations across all major fuel brands as being a ‘priority’ for ACDEMG critical customers.

“As an independent operator, Gull has shown tremendous initiative and commitment to the Auckland region. The challenge now is for the rest of the fuel industry to respond to how it is going to contribute more to Auckland’s civil defence readiness,” says Manley.

Dave Bodger says that it was an easy decision to upgrade the four Gull sites on the ACDMEG list.

“We looked at the cost and saw it as important commitment to be part of the Auckland community. So we reprioritised some spending and upgraded these four sites as soon as practical.

“The sites closed for around an hour so the upgrade could be made. This was completed in the early morning to minimise disruption to customers.”

The 54 Priority service stations are appended below and the full Fuel Contingency Plan is available at: www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz/About-Us/Document-Library/Supporting-Plans/

There are 18 Gull branded outlets in the Greater Auckland area with three more under construction or due to commence construction.

Ends

© Scoop Media