- $2 million in State Budget to fund acquisition of land for Fire and Emergency Services
- This is about future-proofing land and infrastructure needs for a growing population
- Site acquired will potentially host co-located Fire and Rescue Service and State Emergency Service facilities
Next week's state budget will include funding for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to purchase a substantial land holding in Bundaberg.
Queensland is experiencing substantial population growth, and major regional centres like Bundaberg are expected to be popular destinations for further growth in the future.
A growing population means demand for land will also increase, so it makes perfect sense for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to plan now for what the future holds.
The funding in the state budget will allow Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to acquire land now, so that it has an appropriate site for the fire and emergency services infrastructure that the Bundaberg community will need in coming years.
The exact nature of the facilities that will be hosted on the future site will be determined based on what future growth in Bundaberg looks like.
Detailed consultation with the community and key stakeholders will also be undertaken as part of this process.
It is envisaged at this early stage that the site could be used to accommodate co-located emergency services capabilities such as the State Emergency Service and an additional Fire and Rescue Service facility for Bundaberg.
It is prudent for QFES to acquire this land so that the Bundaberg community is provided with the appropriate level of emergency response capability in future years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Mark Ryan:
"Queensland's population is surging on the back of our strong economic recovery from the pandemic.
"But a growing population also brings various challenges and it means that we must plan now for that future growth.
"It is eminently sensible then for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to look to the future and prepare for the future by acquiring a site in Bundaberg now that will provide an appropriate location for the expanded emergency response capabilities a growing Bundaberg region will need in the years ahead."
Quotes attributable to Bundaberg MP Tom Smith:
"We know that the Bundaberg region is a growing region, and it is important to plan for the future of that growth.
"This announcement is an important investment into our local Fire and Emergency Services, ensuring that we are meeting the demands of our community.
Having held many discussions with our local firefighters and delegates of the UFUQ, I know just how welcomed this initial $2 million for land acquisition will be received."
"I want to thank the Minister, the Treasurer and the our Palaszczuk Labor Government for providing funding in the state budget to acquire this land as it demonstrates a real commitment to the future needs of the people of Bundaberg."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach:
"It's important that our fire and emergency services crews are positioned well to meet the demands for service from growing communities across the state," he said.
"By ensuring we secure suitable locations for future facilities, the community can have trust in our response to local emergencies in the years ahead."
