New $3m Fire and Rescue Station for Gordonvale supports community growth

Opening the new $3 million Gordonvale Fire and Rescue Station today (Friday) took on special significance for the Member for Mulgrave and Speaker Curtis Pitt.

Mr Pitt – representing Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford at the opening - previously worked as an auxiliary firefighter in Gordonvale.

“It was a long time ago, but I am still interested in the critical work of our first responders here in Far North Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

“The previous Fire and Rescue Station had served the area well for more than 60 years and had reached the end of its working life.

“This new station is much bigger and comfortably houses the Type 2 appliance, the attack vehicle and other appliances and equipment that may be required in the community in the future.”

Mr Crawford said the station, ‘first responder’ to 150 incidents during the 2016-17 financial year, had already responded to 144 in the 2017-2018 year.

“As the population of the area increases, so too will the number of incidents, so it is important we plan for this,” Mr Crawford said.

“The new Gordonvale Fire and Rescue Station has been designed to support community growth and will make a big difference to the 20 firefighters who work from the facility.”

During his visit to the Gordonvale Fire and Rescue Station, Mr Pitt also officially handed over a new $200,000 rural fire appliance to the Little Mulgrave Rural Brigade.

“The appliance replaces an old one, allowing rural firefighters to continue the important word of protecting lives and property,” Mr Pitt said.

“It was funded through the RFS annual allocation, with no cost to the Little Mulgrave Brigade.”

Mr Pitt paid tribute to personnel who received medals and awards today, for their commitment to community service and demonstrating high ethical standards, personal integrity and diligent service over a prolonged period.

“It gives me a lot of pleasure to attend events at Gordonvale Fire and Rescue station, especially when I have the opportunity to present awards and thank people who have made such a significant contribution to our community,” Mr Pitt said.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909