Modern Fire Station for Mareeba

Response times and quality for families and businesses will be improved following the official opening of a state of the art fire and rescue station in Mareeba today.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Dempsey said the new station was a welcome addition for the greater Mareeba community.

“The Government has a strong plan for a brighter future for emergency services in the Tablelands region, and this station is part of our plan,” Minister Dempsey said. 

“The Labor Government oversaw record deficits and debt, yet did not spend a single cent to replace the former 80-year old Mareeba Fire Station.

“Labor has no plans to support the future of regional Queensland communities or their emergency services. 

“The new station building features additional offices, two drive-through appliance bays, a four-bay storage shed and an undercover training area which will allow better responses locally.” 

Member for Cook David Kempton said the new station delivered on a key Government commitment to revitalise frontline services. 

“We committed at the election to revitalising frontline services and the opening of the $3 million Mareeba Fire and Rescue Station represents a direct investment into Far North Queensland,” Mr Kempton said. 

“This facility is state of the art and will allow the hardworking men and women of our fire service to better support those families and businesses in Mareeba.

“This station services a large area between the Palmer River, Koah and Walkamin including the Kennedy, Mulligan and Burke Development highways and the crew are now ready for the many types of emergency situations they may face.”

QFES Commissioner Lee Johnson said the new station was equipped to service the growing Mareeba area. 

“Not only does the new station bring the service here into the 21st century, we have planned for the years ahead by creating a design that allows for future development as the needs of the community, and demand on the station, increase,” Mr Johnson said. 

During the ceremony, Mr Dempsey also presented firefighters Darryl Chaplain and Clint Tunnie with 1st clasps to the National Medal for long service to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Mr Chaplain is the Leading Firefighter at Mareeba with 27 years’ service and Mr Tunnie is Inspector Central Command with 26 years’ service. 

“These men have shown an incredible level of commitment and dedication to their jobs and their community and I sincerely offer my gratitude to them for their contribution,” Mr Dempsey said. 

“Dedicated staffs, like Darryl and Clint, are part of what makes Queensland Fire and Emergency Services so successful in our business of protecting communities.” 

[ENDS] 14 June 2014                                    

Media Contact: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821 orCallum Stewart 0403 925 703