Boost for Crime Prevention and Disaster Preparedness in Caboolture

Community safety in Caboolture will receive a boost today with the official handover of a purpose-built multi-function trailer.

The trailer was promised to the Caboolture community last year, and Police Minister Judy Spence and Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said they were pleased this commitment has now been met.

The multi-purpose trailer was handed over by Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell today in a ceremony at the Emergency Services facility in Caboolture.

Mr Purcell said that the trailer would be utilised by a number of community groups in the Caboolture district to promote safety.

“The emphasis is on crime prevention, personal safety and disaster preparedness.

“An important part of any community safety project is getting the message out there and this is exactly what the trailer will facilitate”, Mr Purcell said.

Ms Spence said, Neighbourhood Watch groups in Caboolture identified the need for a purpose built community safety trailer to make it easier to transport and present community safety displays.

The trailer has been developed by the Department of Emergency Services in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Housing.

“This is a great example of how the departments and the community work together to provide the public with information and services,” Ms Spence said.

Mr Purcell said the trailer was a fully self-sufficient unit complete with its own water and power.

“Similar in function to a modern caravan, the trailer is wired for 240 volts and is fully equipped with;

•     Fold-up tables and stackable chairs
•     Awnings
•     Generator
•     Television and DVD player
•     Barbeque
•     Large display boards
•     Fire extinguisher
•     Free standing gazebo
•     First Aid Kit; and a
•     Water tank

“It will be an important resource in helping to deliver safety message to the local community. The innovative piece of equipment has all the facilities necessary to present effective community safety displays at any location.

“The trailer has been designed to be used as a temporary command post in the event of an emergency,” Mr Purcell said.

Mr Purcell acknowledged the successful partnership between local business, community groups and the State Government to bring the project to fruition.

“I would like to thank:

·Bunnings Warehouse for donating the barbecue, tables and chairs and the gazebo,

·McCrackens Morayfield for donating the water tank,

·Otto Tuza Trailers of Caboolture who manufactured the trailer; and

·Queensland Fire and Rescue Service for donating a generator,” Mr Purcell said.

Since 2005, the Community Safety Project has been operating in the Caboolture South and Caboolture East Neighborhood Watch areas there have been some important outcomes.

These include:

• 30 free Senior First Aid courses delivered by the QAS (another 20 are booked for next month);

• free CPR training through the CPR for Life program;

• purchase of two CPR manikins ;

• fire awareness training – such as dealing with a burning kitchen and how to use a fire blanket or fire extinguisher;

• road accident awareness demonstration; and

• an SES demonstration on the safe use of chain saws

Media contact: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571