Mount Isa set to benefit from $1 million fire station upgrade

The Mount Isa community is set to benefit from a $1 million upgrade to the Mount Isa Fire and Rescue Station, with work to begin early next year.  

The Palaszczuk Government funding for the station on West Street will see new and increased facilities to boost firefighters’ capability to keep locals safe.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the project was an important step towards improving essential services for north-western Queensland, now and into the future.

“This project illustrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to community safety in Mount Isa, and statewide,” he said.

“Not only will the upgrade provide enhanced facilities and functionality for the region, but it will also create three jobs to complete the upgrade.

“It will include the demolition of two existing residences on site, civil works for new hardstand areas and the construction of a storage facility for vehicles and equipment, adjacent the existing fire station.

“This new storage facility will greatly support the local workforce’s increased operational needs.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said upgrading and expanding the station facilities would not only benefit the Mount Isa community, but the area as a whole.

“Mount Isa is a regional hub that supports operations across north-western Queensland,” Ms Carroll said.

“Mount Isa Fire and Rescue Station is operated by permanent staff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the full-time presence being supported by auxiliary staff.

“As the only station in western command staffed by permanent firefighters, Mount Isa firefighters can be called to support their colleagues in areas like Boulia, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden.

“The western command covers over 410,000km, encompasses the entire Queensland-Northern Territory border and, in the north, extends around the Gulf of Carpentaria to include Normanton and Karumba.”

With the existing station still fully operational, Ms Carroll said the Mount Isa community would continue to be serviced by Fire and Rescue Service personnel during construction.

“We’ll ensure the local community stays safe with fire and rescue services operating from the existing fire station, while the construction of the new facility is underway,” she said.

The works are expected to be completed by mid-2017.

ENDS

Media contact

Minister Ryan’s office:                  0400 622 433