As part of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to significantly increase firefighter numbers by 357 over five years, 97 more professional firefighters will join the ranks of the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) across Queensland this financial year.
The new positions will enhance crewing numbers in some existing locations to staff new and enhanced fire and rescue stations and provide the additional resources to implement a new FRS station crewing model.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said more than $86 million would be allocated between now and 2025 to grow the total number of frontline FRS professional firefighters by more than 15 per cent based on current numbers.
"This demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the FRS has the resources it needs to protect the community," Minister Ryan said.
"This financial year's growth will see resources directed to enhanced service delivery at Charters Towers, Beerwah, and Yarrabilba. Extra firefighters will also be allocated to Brisbane, South Eastern and Far Northern Regions as well as five-day stations, such as Coolum, Port Douglas, Emerald and Kingaroy."
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach welcomed the growth of resources and the new crewing model, as the organisation continues to evolve to further protect and enhance safety.
"The new FRS station crewing model will increase the current full-time equivalent staff from 19 to 23 firefighters for pump appliances at 24/7 stations. Seven-day and five-day stations will also be allocated an appropriate proportion to meet the new model," Commissioner Leach said.
"This is an important step as we build further capability in our FRS to support increased safety for our firefighting crews and Queensland communities.
"The increase in crewing will see service delivery at Charters Towers run from five to seven days with auxiliary firefighters continuing to support the community.
"Formerly an auxiliary only station, Beerwah will now be staffed for five days with continued support of auxiliary firefighters.
"Yarrabilba will also be permanently staffed to operate their new 24/7 station."
Secretary of the United Firefighters Union Queensland John Oliver welcomed the announcement of the new FRS station crewing model as part of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to boost firefighter numbers by 357.
"I commend the Government for following through on their election commitment to Queensland's firefighters," Mr Oliver said.
"The commitment of an additional 357 professional firefighters is the most significant increase in firefighter numbers since 1925 and will go a long way to enhancing the safety and conditions of firefighters."
The commitment for an additional 357 professional firefighters is over 5 years, announcements about future allocations will be made in due course.
Station Officer and Firefighter Allocations:
- 7 FTE – Charters Towers to transition from a 5-day to 7-day station
- 6 FTE – Beerwah to transition from auxiliary to a 5-day station + auxiliary
- 23 FTE – Yarrabilba to transition from auxiliary to a 24/7 station
- 1 FTE – Port Douglas to enable new FRS crewing model
- 1 FTE – Emerald to enable new FRS crewing model
- 1 FTE – Coolum to enable new FRS crewing model
- 1 FTE – Kingaroy to enable new FRS crewing model
- 8 FTE – Far Northern Region to enable new FRS crewing model
- 17 FTE – Brisbane Region to enable new FRS crewing model
- 32 FTE – South Eastern Region to enable new FRS crewing model
