State delivers funding for Gladstone rural fire brigades

Gladstone region rural fire service volunteers received a boost to their bushfire fighting operations today with two new fire appliances officially handed over to the Mount Larcom and Mount Maurice Rural Fire Brigades (RFB).

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan handed over the new vehicles, worth a combined total of $400,000 and said there was more funding to come for RFBs thanks to the $30.1 million Accelerated Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fleet Program announced in last week’s budget.

“Through the Accelerated RFS Fleet Program, brigades across Queensland will receive a welcome boost with 60 RFS vehicles to be replaced state wide during the 2017-2018 financial year, and additional vehicles in the following financial year,” Mr Ryan said.

“Volunteers from Mount Larcom and Mount Maurice RFBs and all brigades across central Queensland take time away from family, friends and work to help those in need, so it’s essential to ensure they have the best equipment available to them.

“This program will allow brigades to continue serving their communities to the highest standard and I am confident that with the funding provided, the RFS is well-resourced to continue its life-saving work in the years to come.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Assistant Commissioner Ewan Cayzer said the new appliances came at an important time for the region.

“Gladstone is growing and it’s great to see our resources growing with it,” Mr Cayzer said.

“With preparations for bushfire season underway, these new appliances will put Mount Maurice and Mount Larcom RFBs in a good position to continue protecting their local communities.

“Mount Larcom RFB’s new fire appliance is an addition to the brigade’s fleet and the new fire appliance for Mount Maurice RFB is a replacement vehicle.

“Both are busy brigades, with Mount Larcom RFB servicing an area approximately 400 square kilometres and Mount Maurice RFB servicing a critical interface zone that borders the township of Gladstone and covers the surrounding rural area.”

While in Gladstone, Mr Ryan reinforced the government’s commitment to the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) fleet, with last week’s budget allocating almost $70 million to purchase new firefighting vehicles.

“The budget will invest $36.4 million in the FRS Fleet Renewal Program in 2017-18 and a further $31.5 million the following financial year,” he said.

“This funding will be used to replace FRS vehicles across the state, ensuring our firefighters have the right equipment to continue to perform their lifesaving work.

“The demand on our emergency services continues to grow and this funding will allow QFES to keep pace with community expectations and continue to provide a first class emergency response, when called upon.”

ENDS

Media contacts: Minister’s office             07 3035 8300