Emergency Service Boost for Brisbane

Emergency services throughout Brisbane will receive a major boost from the record $849.3 million Department of Emergency Services 2007-08 State Budget.

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said the Budget committed a record figure to ensure that communities remain safe and secure through frontline operational service delivery, disaster prevention, mitigation and community education.

“This Budget is committed to grass roots improvement, including the employment of additional ambulance officers, the introduction of key programs to support community preparedness for disasters and vital communications infrastructure to enhance operational service delivery,” Mr Purcell said.

There are an extra 250 ambulance staff across Queensland over 2007-08, to manage demand for services driven by a growing and ageing population.

“This Department’s determined to deliver on the Beattie Government’s commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, and this budget reflects that,” Mr Purcell said.

As part of $206.9 million dedicated to capital investment, $2.3 million has been allocated in 2007-08 for the new Burpengary Fire Station, and $198,000 to complete the redevelopment of Eatons Hill Fire Station.

The 2007-08 Budget also includes $41.7 million (as part of a $70.4 million allocation over two years) for the construction of a new state-of-the-art communications and emergency disaster coordination centre to replace the existing fire and ambulance triple zero communications facilities in Brisbane and South East Region.

A further $1 million has been allocated toward completion of the new Birkdale Ambulance Station, $2.2 million toward completion of the replacement Balmoral Ambulance Station, $1.7 million toward construction of a replacement Spring Hill Ambulance Station, $2.4 million for Ashgrove Ambulance Station and $1.8 million toward completion of the new Carina Ambulance Station.

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This Budget will see the region share in Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s 22 new appliances and 10 new support vehicles as part of the $14.3 million statewide urban vehicle replacement/upgrade program. A further $3.9 million will also be invested in 36 new rural appliances and five firefighting trailers. An additional $15.7 million will be invested in over 140 new ambulance vehicles across the state.

The Brisbane region will benefit from the investment of $26.6 million in 2007-08 ($48.3 million over three years) to upgrade the Emergency Management Queensland helicopter fleet with three state-of-the-art AgustaWestland 139 helicopters, with one to be based in Brisbane.

As part of a 2006 election commitment, $52 million will be spent over five years toward volunteers to boost the preparedness and response capability of rural firefighters and SES members. This includes improved regional technical and communication equipment, enhanced SES volunteer management and equipment, protective clothing for rural fire volunteers and enhanced volunteer training.

“$2.2 million (over five years) has been allocated to introduce the 132 500 national SES telephone phone number for emergency response to storms, floods and cyclones,” Mr Purcell said.

A further $1.6 million will be provided in 2007-08 to support Surf Life Saving Queensland ($6.4 million over four years) for additional beach patrols and equipment and the Royal Life Saving Society of Queensland ($1.2 million over four years) to expand water safety campaigns to specifically target all primary school children.

“This Budget demonstrates this Government’s dedication to the safety and protection of Queenslanders, and also recognises the vital work of the many volunteers who support our emergency services,” Mr Purcell said.

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

Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976