QCESA TO REMAIN A WORLD LEADER

The Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) will maintain its position as one of the leading facilities for emergency management training nationally and internationally, with a $22 million upgrade underway.

Inspecting the site today, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts saw the works underway on the significant expansion, which when complete will include a practical training facility and scenario village streetscape.

Mr Roberts said the upgrade will greatly improve the facilities and training provided to Department of Emergency Services staff, including firefighters, paramedics, and emergency managers.

“The new practical training facility will incorporate a range of features, including a scenario village streetscape, and a mock ships hold to allow for specialist maritime firefighter training,” he said.

“There will also be an area for training in responses to spills and leaks of hazardous substances into waterways, and a new breathing apparatus training complex.

“The development has already seen an upgrade to the existing kitchen and the construction of a new car park. Construction of the rest of the upgrade has now commenced and is due for completion in April 2008,” he said.

Mr Roberts said the site began operating in October 2001 as the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service Academy, before being launched as QCESA in December 2004 to deliver integrated, operational training across Queensland’s emergency services.

“This facility will continue to provide a high level of training, not only to our emergency service personnel, but also industry clients and other allied agencies,” he said.

Mr Roberts said that in 2006-07 more than 15,000 training sessions were delivered to emergency service staff and volunteers at QCESA.

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

Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976

Note to media: a 3D computer generated walk-through of the upgrade, including still shots, is available upon request.