Emergency Service Boost for South-West Region

Emergency services throughout the South-West Region 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.

Highlights of the Budget include 250 new ambulance officers across Queensland in 2007-08, to manage demand for services driven by a growing and ageing population.

“This Department is determined to deliver on the Beattie Government’s commitment to making Queensland a safer place, and this budget reflects that,” Mr Purcell said.

As part of $206.9 million dedicated to capital investment, $600,000 has been allocated toward replacement of the Bollon Auxiliary Fire Station, $550,000 toward replacement of the Goondiwindi Auxiliary Fire Station, $400,000 to complete the replacement of the Highfields Auxiliary Fire Station, and $500,000 to commence the redevelopment of the Kitchener Street Toowoomba Fire Station.

A further $1.8 million has been allocated toward completion of the replacement Roma Ambulance Station, $158,000 toward completion of the replacement Warwick Ambulance Station, $690,000 toward the Mitchell Ambulance Station plant room and $1.4 million toward completion of the replacement Oakey 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.

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.

“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