TAFE Campus to be home to Innisfail SES

The Departments of Emergency Services and Education have reached an important agreement for Innisfail, with the relocation of the State Emergency Service headquarters to a new permanent home on the local TAFE campus.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt were on hand today to conduct the first official sod-turn after securing the site.

“The campus is the ideal location for the SES headquarters. It’s above flood height, close to other emergency services, across the bridge from the hospital and near a boat ramp, which makes it easier for volunteers to launch their flood rescue boat,” Mr Roberts and Mr Pitt said.

“We’ve recognised the need for the SES to have a modern, central base of operations should disaster strike again, and I look forward to the new facility’s completion next year.”

SES operations have been run out of the Johnstone Shire Council hall since Cyclone Larry struck in March 2006.

Education Minister Rod Welford said the decision by the Department of Emergency Services to purchase 8,031 square metres of campus land from the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE, was prompted by SES operational challenges during and after the cyclone.

“The TAFE campus played a significant part in cyclone relief efforts,” Mr Welford said.

“It was initially used for emergency accommodation and was ultimately a meeting point for flu injections, financial assessments and counselling services.

“This agreement with Emergency Services will provide an important emergency management facility for the people of Innisfail.”

The Ministers paid tribute to the Innisfail SES, which has more than 30 volunteers whose rescue efforts include storm, flood and air rescues and searches for missing people.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350
Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976