The Gold Coast region will have extra firefighting and aerial rescue capability with the handover of a new Combined Aerial Pumping Appliance (CAPA) and Hydraulic Platform (HP) appliance to the Surfers Paradise Fire and Rescue Station today.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan, who was at today's event, said the $1.8 million CAPA and the $1.9 million HP appliance were part of the state government's commitment to ensuring Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel have the resources they need to perform their lifesaving work.
"They will replace the station's aging Telescopic Aerial Appliance (TAP) and enhance aerial rescue capability, which is crucial on the Gold Coast where there is a concentration of high-rise residential buildings and holiday accommodation," Mr Ryan said.
"The state-of-the-art CAPA is fitted with an articulated ladder and rescue basket that can extend to 32 metres to enhance both firefighting and aerial rescue capabilities.
"The HP appliance reaches a maximum working height of 42 metres and is fitted with a remote-control thermal imaging camera and video surveillance camera.
"Both appliances carry water and produce both A and B class foam, and have pumps that can deliver 4500 litres of water per minute.
"It's also great to see the CAPA and HP appliance are powered by the Euro 6 engines, which use the cleanest emission technology available.
"In addition to firefighting and aerial rescue, these appliances will also support technical rescues, chemical and hazardous incidents and road crash rescues."
Mr Ryan said the new appliances would significantly increase Queensland Fire and Emergency Services' (QFES) capability across the whole region.
"The community relies on emergency services to be there when they need them most, and having the right equipment is vital to the work they do," Mr Ryan said.
"It is always a privilege to support our firefighters in the lifesaving work they do, and these new appliances will help them continue building community resilience while also protecting homes and businesses and saving lives."
Seven Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) members were also presented with National Medals and Clasps, QFES Medals and Clasps, Commonwealth Games Citations and a Meritorious Service Award on the day."
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach, who presented the awards, said it was important to recognise the service of staff who dedicate their lives to serve and protect their local communities.
"Each of the medal recipients has given extraordinary service that reflects their long-term commitment to our values of respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust," Mr Leach said.
"I am always proud to see the lengths and efforts to which QFES members will go to serve their community."
The Surfers Paradise Fire and Rescue Station has responded to more than 1812 incidents this financial year, including more than 860 incidents for which they were the first responder.
