Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford will today officially open three new QFES stations – and hand over two new appliances – in a $3.8 million boost for firefighters and rural volunteers in the Darling Downs region.
Speaking ahead of next week’s Governing from the Regions program, Mr Crawford said the new facilities at Oakey, Goombungee and Hampton would "ensure Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) continues to meet the needs of the growing region".
"The facilities will assist QFES’ first responders and volunteers in emergencies including road crash rescues and vegetation fires," Mr Crawford said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring QFES has the personnel, infrastructure and equipment to meet future demand in regional centres.
"We will be outlining our whole-of-government vision for future jobs and growth during our Governing from the Regions program, to be held in Toowoomba from tomorrow."
Mr Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government funded the new $1.3 million Oakey Fire and Rescue Station and the $1.3 million Goombungee Fire and Rescue Station through the State Capital Works Project, while the $190,000 Hampton Rural Fire Station was built using state, local government and community funding.
"The stations in Oakey and Goombungee include quality facilities, extra space for appliances and ample storage for equipment and supplies," Mr Crawford said.
"The Hampton Rural Fire Station was built to provide the local Brigade with storage for up to two appliances, and a location for training volunteers."
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said two new Type 2 Urban Pumper Tanker Medium appliances, worth a total of more than $1 million, will also be handed over today to crews at Oakey and Goombungee.
Ms Carroll said the state-of-the-art appliances had been provided through QFES’ State Capital Works Appliance Funding.
"Fitted with the latest Road Crash Rescue and Recovery equipment, the appliances boast energy efficient emergency lighting, mast light, thermal imaging camera and a gas detection unit," Ms Carroll said.
"The new pumpers with their extra capabilities will be an excellent addition to the region when responding to emergency incidents."
Mr Crawford will also present a 2018 Australia Day Achievement Medallion and 11 Assistant Commissioner Certificates of Appreciation for Employer Recognition at the Oakey and Goombungee Fire and Rescue Station openings.
