Published Thursday, 12 February, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
MALONE’S VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE REFERENCES OUT OF LINE
Shadow Emergency Services Minister Ted Malone should be condemned for political scaremongering following the Victorian Fire Tragedy, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.
Mr Roberts was responding to a media release distributed by Mr Malone about the construction of a replacement fire station at Pullenvale, in which he evoked the bushfire tragedy to make a point about the location of the new station
“This is the second time in as many days that Mr Malone has used the Victorian tragedy in his political grandstanding and scaremongering,” Mr Roberts said.
“Quite frankly, the people of Queensland deserve better.
“Lawrence Springborg needs to show some real leadership and pull Mr Malone into line.”
On the issue of the new Pullenvale station, Mr Roberts said Mr Malone’s claims that the location of the station would put lives and property at risk were “total rubbish.”
“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service's advice to me is that this new station will enhance fire response coverage in the area,” Mr Roberts said.
“It is a fact that the western corridor has experienced strong residential growth in recent years.
“The Pullenvale station will be more centrally located than the current station at Kenmore, which it is replacing.
“The placement of station also takes into consideration the relationship to adjoining stations so that the quality of fire coverage to all properties remains the at the highest possible level.
“Queensland Fire and Rescue’s planning ensures that stations are placed in locations that can meet demand.
“That’s why in 2007-08 QFRS was able to respond to 96.9% of all structural fires within urban levy boundaries within the 14 minute target performance measure, exceeding the 90% benchmark.”
Mr Roberts said 16 fire fighters would be based at the station, the same number as currently based at Kenmore.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3247 8997
Mr Roberts was responding to a media release distributed by Mr Malone about the construction of a replacement fire station at Pullenvale, in which he evoked the bushfire tragedy to make a point about the location of the new station
“This is the second time in as many days that Mr Malone has used the Victorian tragedy in his political grandstanding and scaremongering,” Mr Roberts said.
“Quite frankly, the people of Queensland deserve better.
“Lawrence Springborg needs to show some real leadership and pull Mr Malone into line.”
On the issue of the new Pullenvale station, Mr Roberts said Mr Malone’s claims that the location of the station would put lives and property at risk were “total rubbish.”
“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service's advice to me is that this new station will enhance fire response coverage in the area,” Mr Roberts said.
“It is a fact that the western corridor has experienced strong residential growth in recent years.
“The Pullenvale station will be more centrally located than the current station at Kenmore, which it is replacing.
“The placement of station also takes into consideration the relationship to adjoining stations so that the quality of fire coverage to all properties remains the at the highest possible level.
“Queensland Fire and Rescue’s planning ensures that stations are placed in locations that can meet demand.
“That’s why in 2007-08 QFRS was able to respond to 96.9% of all structural fires within urban levy boundaries within the 14 minute target performance measure, exceeding the 90% benchmark.”
Mr Roberts said 16 fire fighters would be based at the station, the same number as currently based at Kenmore.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3247 8997