New fleet of Qld-built QFES appliances deployed statewide

More than 90 new fire appliances have been rolled out across the state this financial year – with more to come, under a $40 million Palaszczuk Government commitment to renew QFES’ fleet.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Thursday) that 33 appliances had been delivered to Fire and Rescue crews under the government’s fleet renewal program for 2017-18.

He said another 11 appliances were expected to be deployed by the end of June.

“On top of this commitment, 60 of the 62 new appliances – valued at almost $15 million – for the RFS, have also been delivered this financial year,” Mr Crawford said.

“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.

“In less than five months, I’ve had the privilege of opening six QFES stations, worth over 11 million dollars, and handed over 17 new appliances, flood boats and trailers - worth around another six million dollars.

“I’ve travelled to 37 electorates around the state, 17 of them held by the LNP - including the Opposition Leader’s patch - and three by the Katter Party.

“Just last week I travelled to Gympie, Maryborough, Gin Gin, Childers and Bundaberg, and the response was terrific – with the new facilities and equipment greatly appreciated by those who work so hard to protect us and our property,” Mr Crawford said.

Mr Crawford said the appliances already delivered to Fire and Rescue Crews included 25 Type 2 Isuzu vehicles, each valued at $537,000.

“I had the pleasure of handing over the keys to one of these state-of-the-art $537,000 Type 2 Isuzu fire appliances in Gympie last Thursday,” Mr Crawford said.

“The fire pumper is fitted with the new compressed air foam system, and Core Road Crash Rescue equipment, which is lighter and more powerful than the older tools.

“It’s expected another one of these appliances will be deployed before the end of next month, bringing the total to 26”.

Mr Crawford said the appliances are completed locally, through Queensland based companies.

“In addition, local parts are sourced to provide maintenance and servicing for the life span of vehicles,” Mr Crawford said.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the boost to QFES’ fleet was welcomed by crews across the state.

“The new additions to our fleet have included the latest technology, allowing our frontline personnel access to first-class vehicles when responding to their communities,” Ms Carroll said.

“We have about 600 Fire and Rescue response vehicles that travel thousands of kilometres each year, and our fleet is varied and includes specialist equipment to reflect the varied nature of the work we do.

“In the lead up to the 2018 bushfire season, new additions to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) fleet have been gratefully welcomed.

“New RFS appliances ensure our dedicated 36,000 RFS volunteers have the best equipment and vehicles to respond to bushfires and protect their communities,” she said.  

ENDS

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