Premier opens Mackay’s new $7 million Fire and Rescue Station

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today officially opened Mackay’s new $7.2 million Fire and Rescue Station, ensuring the growing city has the emergency services infrastructure it needs well into the future.

Ms Palaszczuk was joined by Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert at the new station, which will be the base for Mackay City’s 50 permanent fire officers.

“My government is committed to ensuring Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel have every tool and support they need to continue their world-renowned work,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

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

“We have prioritised more than $107 million to replace or upgrade Fire and Emergency Services stations, facilities and equipment right across the state.

“Mackay locals know only too well the natural disasters and weather challenges that each new season brings to our state which is why it is vital that our world-renowned fire and emergency services are properly-equipped,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Mr Crawford said the new station replaces the old station on Sydney Street which had served the area since 1976.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested heavily in the Central Region’s fire and emergency services,” Mr Crawford said.

“Nothing is more important to this government than the safety of Queenslanders, and the safety of our frontline officers who protect them.

“This new facility will be staffed by 15 station officers, and 35 firefighters – who like our great QFES team members, are committed to serving their local community and being there when it counts”.

Ms Gilbert said the new facility will service the city and surrounding areas well into the future.

She said the station will service an area from Yalbaroo in the north to Nebo in the west and Waverly Creek in the south.

“The types of incidents attended to by our firefighters include road crash rescues, grass and wild fires and structural fires,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The station also responds to swift water rescue incidents in the Mackay, Isaac Shire and coastal areas.

“This new station is away from the centre of town, so firefighters will have better access and more room for their equipment and training,” she said.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the new station is equipped with purpose-built breathing apparatus and safety equipment servicing facilities.

These will provide more efficient turn-around times in servicing and maintaining specialised equipment,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“The station also incorporates a larger increased technical rescue storage facility to ensure the Mackay Fire and Rescue Station has both the capacity and capability to support Mackay’s current population and further expected growth in the greater Mackay area,” she said.

Media Contact:

Premier's Office:                    Susan McGrady 0488 996 667

Minister Crawford's Office:   Neil Doorley      0412 393 909