Brighter future for fire and emergency services

Stations will be upgraded, new equipment purchased and more fire trucks will be on the road across Queensland as a result of the 2014-15 State Budget for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the revitalisation of frontline fire and emergency services was being supported in the Budget with more than $500 million in funding.

“The Government’s careful financial management over the last two years means we have been able to improve frontline services,” Mr Nicholls said.

“There are no new taxes, no massive increases in charges and no cuts to services in this Budget.

“The Budget outlines our plan to reduce the state’s $80 billion debt and secure our financial future by making the strongest and smartest choice so we can sustainably fund our future.”

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said the Government had a strong plan to support fire and emergency services with substantial funding.

“The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Public Safety Business Agency will invest more than $55 million to deliver improved equipment, station upgrades and new and replacement vehicles right across the state,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The Newman Government is the first in Queensland to have provided more than half a billion to fire services in the state, an achievement which is building better services for the future.

“As part of the 2014-15 Budget $620 million is being provided to the state’s fire and emergency services.

“The Government is dedicated to revitalising frontline volunteer fire and emergency services, and we are doing that through empowering volunteers with a Deputy Commissioner, fully funding rural fire trucks, and $2.7 million of funding for SES volunteers.

“We are dedicating more than $7 million to funding the delivery and construction of new and replacement fire stations from Ingham in North Queensland to Burleigh on the Gold Coast.

“The 2014-15 Budget includes $23 million to new and replacement urban and rural fire trucks which will mean better responses for those who require assistance from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.”

Minister Dempsey said other provisions within the 2014-15 budget included:

• $7.5 million for strategic land acquisitions and Rural Operations land purchases
• $4.4 million for operational equipment including information technology equipment to improve building fire safety services
• $3.1 million for minor works including safety equipment facilities at Cairns and Beaudesert, upgrades to Laidley and Crows Nest station, and a marine training facility in Cairns

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

Media Contacts: Callum Stewart 0403 925 703 or Andrew Kos 0408 912 821