The Toowoomba region's firefighting capabilities have been given a major boost thanks to equipment with a total value of $3.76 million being officially handed over to three different fire stations.
ANZAC Avenue Fire and Rescue Station now has a Combined Aerial Pumping Appliance (CAPA) valued at $1.8 million and the $800,000 Type 3 Urban Pumper firefighting truck, while Highfields and Killarney Fire and Rescue Stations will receive new Type 2 Urban Pumpers valued at $580,000 each.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford who officially handed over the new equipment said it's all part of part of the state government's commitment to upgrading equipment used by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to support the community.
"We've invested $50 million upgrading the QFES fleet. It's all part of Unite and Recover for Queenslanders Plan and spells more red and yellow trucks for our frontline personnel and more jobs," Mr Crawford said.
"The great thing about the Type 2 and Type 3 Urban Pumpers are that they're built right here in Queensland.
"The building of the firefighting fleet supports, not only local businesses but 136 local jobs across Queensland manufacturers.
"That's what this Government is all about – supporting local businesses and local jobs as part of its Unite and Recover for Queensland Plan.
"The Type 2 appliance going to Highfields has been designed to maximise its operational capability, so our firefighters can respond to a wide range of emergencies and incidents.
"It uses the Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS), which delivers a foam that can be propelled further than water, sticking to surfaces to supress oxygen, fuel and heat."
Mr Crawford said the combination of CAFS and a 2000 litre water tank, means crews can maximise on-board water and foam supplies, which is particularly important in rural areas.
"The appliance has also been fitted with the latest road crash rescue and recovery equipment including energy efficient emergency lighting, thermal imaging camera and a gas detection unit.
"The Type 2 Urban Pumper that Killarney Fire and Rescue Station will receive, is specifically designed for fire and rescue response and can be used for command and control response, technical response and hazardous incidents.
"While the state-of-the-art Type 3 firefighting vehicle is specifically designed for fire and rescue response and can be used for command and control response, technical response, hazardous incidents and road crash rescues.
"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.
"It's also great to see the CAPA is powered by the Euro 6 410 HP engine, which uses the cleanest emission technology available.
"We've replaced more than 500 vehicles in the Fire and Rescue and Rural Fleets in the past four years, so firefighters are fully equipped to respond when emergencies threaten.
"The last bushfire season saw significant fires in the Southern Downs region, particularly along the border with New South Wales.
"It's important that our professional firefighters have the resources they need in order to meet emergencies such as those they confronted last bushfire season.
"To support the community that relies on them, firefighters need to be equipped with the latest technology, so it is fantastic to see them receive this new equipment," he said.
"With the best possible equipment at hand, the community can feel at ease knowing their local firefighters are well-equipped and ready to assist," Mr Crawford said.
Today's major boost of firefighting trucks comes off the back of the $16.9 million dollar construction of the Charlton Fire and Rescue Station and regional headquarters, near the airport.
Mr Crawford said local construction firm McNab is behind it and expects to have around 80 staff and subcontractors onsite at peak times, with up to 300 people working on the project over the next six months.
