The funds will go towards the purchase of a 4WD Mitsubishi Canter Twin Cab and a 4WD Toyota Twin Cab Ute, with the balance of the costs, approximately $57,000, being met by Wingecarribee Shire Council.

Local Controller of Wingecarribee SES Anthony Kasoulis said the vehicles would be a great asset for the local service.

"Safe, reliable transportation for our volunteers is crucial. The new vehicles will allow for greater comfort for longer journeys and greater safety for passengers. It will get our volunteers to where they're needed so that they can help the Southern Highlands community," he said.

Mr Kasoulis said he was pleased the funding for the vehicles had come through earlier than expected.

"We put in for the funds from the State Government around 12 months ago. Originally we weren't expecting to receive the funds until 2007 but the money became available," Mr Kasoulis said.

Mr Kasoulis said the vehicles would go towards the vital ongoing work of the Wingecarribee SES.

"The vehicles will be used by our storm response unit to get our members to jobs, whether responding to floods, storms or assisting other emergency services," he said.

"The vehicles will also support other area units. We previously assisted crews when Sydney was heavily hit by storms and when there was a serious hail storm in Ulladulla."

Minister for Emergency Services Tony Kelly said the new vehicles would be a valuable resource for the SES volunteers.

"Our SES volunteers work tirelessly to protect and assist the community in times of emergencies and natural disasters such as floods and storms," he said.

"Like every SES unit, Wingecarribee's 30 active volunteers are ready around the clock to help when needed."

Mr Kelly said the State subsidy was an investment in the safety of local families and businesses in the Southern Highlands.

"It is an investment in the safety of the local community, and, importantly, in the safety of our emergency services personnel," he said.