The Whitsundays Region is set for a double-boost with progress being made on delivery of both a replacement fire and rescue station and an upgraded police facility.
Police and Corrective Services and Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government had committed $7 million for a replacement fire and rescue station to service the Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and surrounding communities.
"Airlie Beach and Cannonvale have changed and grown significantly in recent years," Minister Ryan said.
"The Fire and Rescue Service has determined that a replacement station is required at Cannonvale to improve fire response capability to meet community demand and the Fire and Rescue Service will be discussing this with the community in coming months.''
Announced for the first time, a $2.3 million upgrade of the police facility at Proserpine also will be progressed as a result of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to community safety.
Proserpine was one of a number of towns and regions across the state to benefit from the record $3 billion-plus police budget that featured funding to progress new and upgraded police facilities.
Mr Ryan said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to boosting resources reinforced by a State Budget that included a record health spend of more than $23 billion as its centrepiece.
"The Budget also had record spends in police, corrective services, fire and emergency services as part of our commitment to improved services, good jobs and ensuring we are able to retain the lifestyle we have come to expect in Queensland."
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said an upgraded fire station would be an important asset for the service.
"Our crews do an exceptional job working with the community to prepare for and respond to a wide range of challenging incidents and disasters," Mr Leach said.
"A new, modern facility will allow our firefighters to continue to deliver a high-standard of fire and emergency services to Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and surrounding areas."
"Looking to areas of growth in the region is a key consideration when looking for a new site for the fire station. ''
"Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) will continue to engage with the community on the project, with final completion anticipated in 2024."
Central Region Assistant Commissioner Kev Guteridge said the upgrade to Proserpine Police Station would help service the needs of a growing local community and police workforce.
"With a growing population, demand for policing services continues to rise in the Whitsunday Region," Assistant Commissioner Guteridge said.
"This is a significant upgrade to the Proserpine Police Station which will ensure we have modern facilities for officers to carry out their duties and service the local community."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Mackay/Whitsunday region was continuing to grow and the Palaszczuk Government was responding to its need for more services and resources.
"The region is one of the fastest-growing in Queensland with a population fuelled by strong activity in the resources sector and tourism,'' Ms Gilbert said.
''The Palaszczuk Government is committed not only to boosting our services and creating jobs but to building infrastructure in regional Queensland, such as the new fire and rescue station and police station.''
