Fire and Emergency Services Minister opens new QFES facility near Roma

Published Saturday, 24 February, 2018 at 11:00 AM

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Craig Crawford

Emergency service workers in Queensland’s south-west will be better equipped to serve the community following the opening of a new $473,000 Joint Emergency Services facility.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford today (Saturday) officially opened the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) facility in Wallumbilla, near Roma.

Mr Crawford said it will house staff and volunteers from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES).

“This new resource for Wallumbilla will greatly enhance capabilities for the RFS and SES to protect and assist the community in times of need,” Mr Crawford said.

“Construction began in May last year and was completed just four months later, with the facility becoming operational last month.

“QFES made significant financial contributions to the facility through a $60,000 QFES capital grant, along with Rural Fire Service grant of $25,000. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund also contributed $35,000.”

The new facility is within the Roma Rural Fire Service Area, which consists of 154 brigades and more than 2600 volunteers. The Wallumbilla SES group has 22 active volunteers who last year dedicated 707 hours to their community.

“It’s an exciting time for the South West Region as the opening of this facility follows the opening of Roma’s $5.2 million Fire and Emergency Services complex in October last year,” Mr Crawford said.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Wallumbilla community spirit was inspiring as many residents and organisations contributed to the project.

“The Maranoa Regional Council, local businesses and community groups donated money, time, goods and supplies to this facility,” she said.

“The new facility will help RFS and SES to perform their crucial roles in supporting and protecting the community for many years to come.”

Mr Crawford said the day was also a celebration of QFES staff and volunteers who received clasps, medals and plaques for their service.

“Sixteen members of the QFES workforce have today been recognised for their integrity, loyalty, professionalism and diligent service,” he said.

Ms Carroll said: “At QFES, we pride ourselves on upholding these values and more, and the recipients today have certainly demonstrated these values in their work.

“We thank you for your valuable contributions to your community’s safety and wellbeing.”

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909