Fire and Emergency Services Minister opens $13 million joint facility in Bundaberg

Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford today (Thursday) officially opened a new $7.8 million QFES station, and $5.1 million QAS facility, in a major emergency services boost for the Bundaberg region.

Mr Crawford said the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services station is co-located with the Queensland Ambulance Service facility at a new complex, which will allow for combined training exercises.

“The new Bundaberg facility is world-class and can host multi-agency training for crews from the Fire and Rescue Service, Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Queensland Ambulance Service,” Mr Crawford said.

“Having these state-of-the-art facilities means the QFES workforce and other emergency services personnel can respond to emergencies confidently and safely.

“The community can feel at ease knowing their local emergency services are well-equipped and ready to respond.

“The training amenities this complex provides will assist Bundaberg area personnel, as well as those from Gayndah, Kingaroy, Hervey Bay and Maryborough,” he said.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the new South Bundaberg Ambulance Station would improve response times in the Bundaberg region, with paramedics expected to respond to 360 incidents every month.

"The new South Bundaberg Ambulance Station will be home to 16 paramedics, a QAS officer-in-charge, two clinical support officers and four flight paramedics who will re-locate from the Bundaberg Ambulance Station," Mr Miles said.

"Four Mercedes Sprinter ambulances, two four-wheel drive ambulances and two emergency response vehicles will also be based at the new facility.”

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said the $5.1 million station - on a site in a flood-free zone - included everything needed to make the work of paramedics as comfortable and efficient as possible.

"The station itself incudes everything, including a day room, kitchen/dining area, rest/study rooms, clinical practice area, staff amenities, office space for the Clinical Education Unit and a multipurpose room," Mr Bowles said.

"Most importantly there is room to expand, and the site provides the space to operate a coordination centre during emergency events or natural disasters and house the extra resources that may be required during those type of emergencies."

Mr Crawford also officially handed over two new rural fire appliances – worth almost $400,000 - for Coonarr and Gin Gin brigades during today’s visit.

“The $199,000 Isuzu for Coonarr, and the $185,000 Mitsubishi for Gin Gin, will help transport more firefighters, water and equipment to incidents within the area and allow rural firefighters to continue the important work of protecting lives and properties in their local communities,” Mr Crawford said.

A medal ceremony also took place today recognising the exceptional commitment and dedication of QFES members.

QFES Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said recipients had shown courage and determination to continue a path that is both challenging and rewarding.

“QFES staff and volunteers provide a world-class service to their communities and it is with great pleasure that we can formally acknowledge the crucial work they do not only serving and protecting the people of Queensland, but also working with residents to build community resilience,” Mr Wassing said.

ENDS

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