Community safety focus of State budget

Frontline fire and emergency services is a key focus of the 2016-17 State Budget, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne announced today.

Mr Byrne said funding provided by the Palaszczuk Government would directly support and improve fire and emergency service delivery across the State, as well as increase community safety and preparedness.

“We have allocated $74 million for the 2016-17 financial year for facilities, appliances and communications equipment,” Mr Byrne said.

“A total of $5.6 million will be spent starting work on replacement auxiliary fire and rescue stations at Childers, Gordonvale, Oakey, Rainbow Beach and Tara, and extending the auxiliary fire and rescue station at Thursday Island.

“An allocation of $2.3 million will continue the replacement auxiliary fire and rescue station at Charleville and start the specialist response and training facility upgrade at North Rockhampton.

“In 2016-17, $9.8 million will see the completion of replacement fire and rescue station, Rural Fire Service (RFS), and State Emergency Service (SES) facilities at Bundaberg and Petrie, and the Cunnamulla auxiliary station.

“A further $8 million will be spent completing the upgrade of the Bundamba Fire and Rescue Station, the replacement of the auxiliary fire and rescue, RFS and SES facility at Roma and the upgrade of the South Western Region headquarters at Charlton.

“In addition, $2.9 million will be put towards upgrades at the RFS and SES facility at Horn Island, the Mount Isa permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station and the Richmond auxiliary station.”

Mr Byrne said $34.5 million had been committed towards replacement and new urban and rural fire trucks.

“The 2016-17 Budget includes a reallocation of existing Queensland Fire and Emergency Services funding for fuel and maintenance of RFS vehicles across the state,” Mr Byrne said.

“Supporting our frontline personnel is a priority and the Palaszczuk Government’s investment includes $4.5 million for operational equipment including gas and chemical suits, specialist scientific analysis and detection equipment, decontamination facilities and special purpose trailers and all-terrain vehicles.”

Mr Byrne said enhancing community safety through education and awareness programs remained a key service priority for QFES.

“In 2016-2017, $750,000 has been committed towards a campaign to educate Queenslanders on smoke alarm legislation and the need for practised fire escape plans.

“Funding has also been allocated to delivering the Road Attitudes and Action Planning (RAAP) program in high schools across Queensland. This program is delivered by firefighters and enables young drivers to make informed decisions and follow safe driving habits.

“The Fight Fire Fascination (FFF) program, which teaches children to respect fire and develop fire safety skills, will also continue to be delivered with funding in 2016-17.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Michelle Connolly 0478 325 738