New office boosts support for south coast rural fire volunteers

Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim residents will benefit from a new office to support the life-saving work of rural fire volunteers.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller today officially opened the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) South Coast Area Office at Worongary.

“The new office will provide support for around 2,300 volunteers in 40 rural fire brigades across the South Coast Area, which covers the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim Local Government Areas,” Minister Miller said.

“It’s essential that our rural fire volunteers receive the assistance they need to protect our communities from the threat of fire, and the South Coast Area Office will ensure that happens under the leadership of Area Director Kaye Healing, the RFSQ’s first female Inspector.

“The government has invested around $100,000 in the facility, which is one of three new RFSQ Area Offices approved recently, the others being Burnett and Gladstone.

“In total, 17 Area Offices provide crucial support to the 36,000 men and women across Queensland who volunteer their time with the RFSQ to keep their communities safe.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the South Coast Area Office would provide a wealth of assistance to volunteers and their brigades.

“Five staff are employed at the office to support the important work of our valued rural volunteers,” Ms Carroll said.

“This may be answering questions, providing resources for community events or helping with equipment and training.

“Our rural firefighters give up many hours, away from their family and friends, to protect their communities from the threat of potentially devastating fires.

“They make a difference in their communities and it is the Area Offices that are behind them supporting their life-saving work.

“This is particularly important as we approach the bushfire season, a busy time for our rural fire brigades, as they help residents prepare their homes and families.”

[ENDS] July 4 2015

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185