North Coast region emergency services personnel receive $555,000 worth of new equipment

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today officially handed over a new $537,000 fire appliance, and an $18,000 trailer to crews in the North Coast region.

Mr Crawford said the new Type 2 Isuzu fire appliance will be based at Gympie’s Fire and Rescue station, and the trailer at the Tin Can Bay State Emergency Services (SES) Group.

Speaking at the Gympie Fire and Rescue station, Mr Crawford said the new equipment will give Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel “greater capacity to respond to emergencies and disasters”.

“The fire pumper is fitted with the new compressed air foam system (CAFS), and Core Road Crash Rescue (RCR) equipment, which is lighter and more powerful than the older tools,” Mr Crawford said.

“This technology is a first for Gympie, and I have no doubt it will make a huge difference to the local community and the 19 permanent and 10 auxiliary firefighters.

“Since July last year, this station has been the first responder to 420 incidents, including road crash rescues, grass and wildfires, swift water rescues and structural fires.

“The SES trailer is a single axle partially enclosed Pantech trailer and will assist SES volunteers greatly with storm damage operations.

“Gympie and Tin Can Bay residents can feel confident in knowing their local firefighters and SES volunteers are well-equipped and ready to deliver critical emergency services during times of need.”

QFES Chief Superintendent North Coast Region Michelle Young welcomed the new equipment.

“The new pumper and trailer will be a great asset to our work in region,” Ms Young said.

“By having these state-of-the-art pieces of equipment means our QFES workforce can respond to emergencies confidently and safely.

“The community can feel at ease knowing their local firefighters and SES volunteers are well-equipped and ready to assist,” she said.

ENDS

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