State Emergency Services (SES) and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) celebrated a significant milestone today, marking one year under the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
The transition of SES to QPS on June 3, 2024, and the establishment of MRQ one month later in July, were part of landmark changes to the state's disaster and emergency service response system.
It marked a new era in emergency management, which built on the existing relationships between the QPS and SES, while allowing MRQ to establish the state's first integrated marine rescue service.
One year on, Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy APM reflected on the achievements made possible through the coordinated efforts of Queensland's emergency services.
"I've witnessed first hand the strength of collaboration between our agencies, and how it has transformed our approach to disaster management," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
"Over the past year, the SES, MRQ and QPS have worked side by side to support communities through major weather events, including widespread flooding across the north and west, and the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
"I'm proud of the difference our crews have made in the lives of Queenslanders who were deeply affected by these disasters.
"As we look ahead, I'm committed to continuing this close partnership with our emergency services as we strengthen our collective response in times of crisis."
During the past year, SES deployed thousands of volunteers to respond to flooding, storms and rescues, while MRQ has activated resources to support mariners in distress from as far north as the Torres Strait to Currumbin in the south, often during challenging weather conditions.
SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong CSC, said despite the changes, the SES still boasts the same hard-working volunteers who are the backbone of the organisation.
"Our volunteers made a significant difference in many communities, when we responded to the multiple disasters this year," Dr Armstrong said.
"Whether it be evacuating stranded residents, emergency storm damage repairs, or clearing fallen trees, our volunteers were committed to helping their fellow Queenslanders who were doing it tough.
"One year on from transition, the SES stands ready to support Queenslanders in times of need."
The first anniversary of MRQ isn't the only cause for celebration at the service, with the first two marine rescue units to join the MRQ - MRQ Mackay and MRQ Gladstone - also celebrating their first birthdays on July 1.
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff said the contribution of all MRQ units was special, but the admission of MRQ Mackay and MRQ Gladstone was significant as it paved the way for others to join the service.
"From our first two units in Central Queensland, we've grown to 14 units which support on-water communities from the Torres Strait to the Queensland/New South Wales border, with more units scheduled to transition across before the end of 2025," Mr Wulff said.
"MRQ is mid-way through a program of transition, bringing units from Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association together to create Queensland's first state-wide volunteer marine rescue service.
"The government's commitment to developing a fully funded marine rescue service has removed the burden of fundraising for stability from units and provided the on-water community with a greater level of support, thanks to the thousands of hours spent by marine rescue volunteers in patrolling the waters of our great state.
"We anticipate MRQ will ultimately grow to around 2,700 Queensland volunteers operating across 47 units, undertaking 4,000 activations across the state every year."
For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For assistance with non-life-threatening situations - such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage - phone SES on 132 500.
Keep up to date with the latest weather advice at Queensland Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
