QFES capital works projects worth almost $55 million completed or underway this financial year

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has completed – or has underway - 26 capital works projects statewide totalling almost $55m so far this financial year, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Tuesday).

Mr Crawford said the projects - for Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service - ranged from station refurbishments through to brand new Fire and Rescue stations, including at Bundamba, Gordonvale and Bundaberg.

He said the 26 projects included eight worth $28 million, delivered under the Palaszczuk Government’s Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring fire and emergency service personnel have the resources they need to continue their high standard of service to the Queensland community,” Mr Crawford said.

“It was this government which allocated record funding of $675 million for QFES in 2017-18, including budgeted staffing for 3,280 full-time equivalent (FTE) personnel.

“On top of this - the Premier promised during the election campaign to invest $29.5 million over the next four years to boost Queensland’s fire and emergency services.

“This equates to an additional 100 firefighters and 12 fire communications officers state-wide.

“Just last Thursday, I had the pleasure of opening the new $7.8 million QFES station in Bundaberg. The community can feel at ease knowing their local emergency services are well-equipped and ready to respond.

“The facilities being built will equip our firefighters – both in an urban and rural setting – with everything required for a modern fire and rescue response.

“This government’s commitment to build and improve QFES facilities will ensure the Queensland public is well protected into the future,” he said.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was not only QFES personnel who benefitted from the roll-out of new and upgraded stations, appliances and equipment, but also the communities they serve.

“During the past 11 months, QFES has welcomed new vehicles, communications equipment and flood boats, as well as new and upgraded stations and facilities right across the state,” Ms Carroll said.

“During visits to our crews, I have seen first-hand just what a difference these additions have made towards day-to-day operations and enhancing the response capability of our frontline personnel.

“Importantly, boosts like these ensure QFES can continue to meet the growing demand for fire and emergency services and continue to deliver first-class services to Queenslanders,” she said.

ENDS

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