The sod has officially been turned on the new boundary of the Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade after Townsville City Council extended their lease on the valued community service, by a further 250m2.
Mayor Nick Dametto said Council signed off on an expansion of the service's land allotment in November 2025, signalling a bright future for the volunteer run brigade.
"The Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade has quite the history on Magnetic Island, forming some 67 years ago in 1959, but it wasn't until 1994 that the RFS secured a piece of Council land to operate from," Cr Dametto said.
"This lease extension will enable the Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade to continue to grow and do what they do best – give back to the community.
"Every time a Rural Fire Brigade volunteer steps up, they bring courage, skill and compassion to their community, proving that resilience is built by those willing to serve."
Brigade Secretary Julie Carmody said the brigade currently had 30 dedicated volunteer members ranging from the age of 18 to 74 and the lease extension would enable the brigade to futureproof its operations.
"Successional planning and futureproofing for growth are critical to a volunteer rural fire brigade because they ensure operational continuity, safety, and long-term sustainability," Ms Carmody said.
"The brigade is very appreciative of the ongoing support from Townsville City Council over the last 32 years."
Divisional Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade provided a critical service to Magnetic Island.
"Over the years the Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade has grown in its size, equipment and capability, and I'm looking forward to seeing that continue in the years to come," Cr Greaney said.
"This service and its members do so much for the local community, and it really is so valuable especially in a tight-knit community like Magnetic Island.
"It was wonderful to turn the sod on what I am sure is set to be an exciting future for the Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade."
