New Fire and Rescue Station, appliance and flood boat boost Proserpine and Whitsunday Region

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today (Thursday) officially opened a new purpose-built $3.15 million Fire and Rescue Station in Proserpine.

Mr Crawford also handed over a $575,000 fire appliance and $70,000 State Emergency Services (SES) flood boat and trailer.

He said the new station – a Palaszczuk Government initiative to replace an aging facility built in the 1950s - will allow Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to deliver enhanced services to the region.

“The new $3.15 million station will improve the capability of firefighters to respond to incidents in the Proserpine area and meet the needs of a contemporary Fire and Rescue Station,” Mr Crawford said.

“The new station has multi-use facilities including a training and incident co-ordination centre, large breathing apparatus and safety equipment capability, and an enlarged engine bay to house modern fire appliances.

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

Mr Crawford said the station’s new Isuzu type 2 appliance was fitted with Road Crash Rescue (RCR) equipment.

“This will increase the road crash rescue capability along a very busy section of the Bruce Highway,” Mr Crawford said.

“The new truck also has Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology, which increases the ability to knock a fire down more quickly compared to past firefighting pump technology.”

Mr Crawford said the local Proserpine SES Group received its new flood boat under the current financial year’s Major Equipment Replacement Program.

“The Swift Marine 4.6 metre flood boat and trailer, officially handed over to the Proserpine SES today, will allow SES members to respond quickly and transport specialised equipment when local communities require urgent assistance,” he said.

“The new appliance and flood boat will allow QFES personnel to continue the important work of protecting lives and properties, whilst helping build resilience in their local communities.”

A medal ceremony also took place, providing an opportunity to recognise the exceptional commitment and dedication of local QFES members.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said these resources will allow dedicated staff and volunteers to continue the important work they do for their local communities.

“Whether it is responding to a severe weather event or large house fire, you can be assured these resources, like the men and women behind them, will be working hard for the people of Queensland,” Ms Carroll said.

“QFES staff and volunteers provide first-class service to their communities and it is with great pleasure that we formally acknowledge the crucial work they do working with the community planning, preparing and responding to emergencies.”

ENDS

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