Published Tuesday, 04 March, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
Three fire stations for Redlands
The Queensland Government's commitment to maximising frontline emergency services delivery will see a revamp of planned Queensland Fire and Rescue Service coverage of the Redlands region.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said a new fire station at Redlands will be built as planned, and that stations at Cleveland and Capalaba will remain operational.
"During the 2006 election, the Government committed to build a new station at Redlands," Mr Roberts said.
"Last year, the Government announced a proposal to replace both the existing Cleveland and Capalaba stations with the new station at Redlands and another new facility at Alexandra Hills."
"Since becoming Minister I have received strong representations from local Members of Parliament, Phil Weightman (Cleveland), Michael Choi
(Capalaba) and John English (Redlands).
"They have argued that the region needed improved coverage to cater for the region's growing population."
"Through their local MPs, the local community has raised concerns about the original proposal with me as the new Minister and with Anna Bligh as the new Premier."
"The Premier and I have listened to those concerns and we have now committed to maximising frontline fire and rescue services in the region."
"A new facility at Redlands will be built as planned, while Cleveland and Capalaba fire stations will now remain operational and receive ongoing maintenance.
"Three fire stations instead of two is a win for the residents of the area and also our dedicated local firefighters."
Member for Cleveland Phil Weightman said plans to leave Cleveland and Capalaba fire stations where they are and add a new facility at Redlands was giving the growing region the essential service it needs.
"Michael, John and I have worked as Members of the Bligh Government raising the concerns and issues put by our local communities," Mr Weightman said.
"It is pleasing now to see their voices being heard."
Member for Capalaba Michael Choi said it was a decision local residents and firefighters wanted.
"Representations have been made to myself, Phil and John over this issue from all corners of this community," Mr Choi said.
Member for Redlands John English said the Minister's decision was reassuring for local residents.
"I'm pleased to accept the Minister's decision and look forward to the start of construction at Redlands," Mr English said.
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said a new fire station at Redlands will be built as planned, and that stations at Cleveland and Capalaba will remain operational.
"During the 2006 election, the Government committed to build a new station at Redlands," Mr Roberts said.
"Last year, the Government announced a proposal to replace both the existing Cleveland and Capalaba stations with the new station at Redlands and another new facility at Alexandra Hills."
"Since becoming Minister I have received strong representations from local Members of Parliament, Phil Weightman (Cleveland), Michael Choi
(Capalaba) and John English (Redlands).
"They have argued that the region needed improved coverage to cater for the region's growing population."
"Through their local MPs, the local community has raised concerns about the original proposal with me as the new Minister and with Anna Bligh as the new Premier."
"The Premier and I have listened to those concerns and we have now committed to maximising frontline fire and rescue services in the region."
"A new facility at Redlands will be built as planned, while Cleveland and Capalaba fire stations will now remain operational and receive ongoing maintenance.
"Three fire stations instead of two is a win for the residents of the area and also our dedicated local firefighters."
Member for Cleveland Phil Weightman said plans to leave Cleveland and Capalaba fire stations where they are and add a new facility at Redlands was giving the growing region the essential service it needs.
"Michael, John and I have worked as Members of the Bligh Government raising the concerns and issues put by our local communities," Mr Weightman said.
"It is pleasing now to see their voices being heard."
Member for Capalaba Michael Choi said it was a decision local residents and firefighters wanted.
"Representations have been made to myself, Phil and John over this issue from all corners of this community," Mr Choi said.
Member for Redlands John English said the Minister's decision was reassuring for local residents.
"I'm pleased to accept the Minister's decision and look forward to the start of construction at Redlands," Mr English said.
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350