Minister opens new Highfields Fire Station

The new Highfields Auxiliary Fire Station has been completed at a cost of almost $1.1million.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine officially opened the facility at a ceremony today.

“The new Highfields station is bigger than its predecessor, has state of the art facilities and has the capacity to house more equipment in the future,” Mr Roberts said.

“This will greatly benefit this growing community.”

Mr Shine said the station is also fitted with the necessary technology to house an incident control centre in times of crisis.

“This facility could be a focal point for the Highfields community,” Mr Shine said.

“The Office and Training Area consists of a large training room configured for Auxiliary Firefighter training and lectures.

“The grounds provide for operational training with a road crash rescue pad provided for drill, and there’s a small kitchenette, toilet and shower area.

“This station is well-equipped and ready for future challenges.”

Mr Shine said several long-serving firefighters were also honoured.

“Today we presented the National Medal for 15 years service to Anthony Guse, Peter Robinson and Cameron Ashmore.

“We also repesented four First Clasps, denoting 25 years service, to Kevin gesch, Garry Lobwein, David Woods and Gervase Pauli.

“Congratulations to all medal winners. Its is symbolic of the hard-working, dedicated officers that make up Queensland’s Auxiliary Fire Service.”

Mr Roberts said the Bligh Government was undertaking a record capital works program.

“In 2008-09, work will start or be completed on three new fire stations and 11 replacement or redeveloped QFRS facilities with funding of $20.9 million.

“The Bligh Government is committed to planning for and managing future growth.”

Media Contact: Brendan Connell    0437 837 976
                     Corinne Mulholland (travelling with the Minister)    0411 964 462