Palaszczuk Government budget to deliver $6.5 million emergency services boost in FNQ

Several fire and emergency services facilities are expected to commence construction in the new financial year, with next week’s 2018-19 Palaszczuk Government Budget to deliver a major boost to the region.

Speaking in Cairns today (Thursday), Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said $2.5 million had been committed to upgrade Cairns’ Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Communications Centre, which is co-located with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) facility.

Mr Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government would provide $4 million in funding for a combined Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) facility on Horn Island – and a Disaster and Emergency Management Centre in Weipa.

“This investment will not only help emergency services keep pace with the growing demand of the region’s growth, but also contribute to the ongoing success of QFES,” Mr Crawford said.

“The QFES’ Communications Centre in Cairns is a vital hub that delivers first-class support to our frontline firefighters.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said plans for the $2.5 million upgrade of the Communications Centre had been developed and were undergoing a consultation process.

“The new communications centre will be incorporated into the overall design of the QAS facility, and is expected to begin construction in June 2019,” Mr Healy said.

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the investment will help build on the first-class work already being undertaken by emergency services personnel to combat the threat of severe weather events in the state’s far north.

“The state’s far north is no stranger to severe weather and it is important QFES has the support to effectively serve the Queensland community,” he said. 

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the $2.8 million combined facility on Horn Island would support the community during severe weather events.

“Horn Island has felt the devastating impacts of severe weather events, including up-rooted trees, flooded homes and significant structural damage to buildings,” Ms Lui said.

“A combined facility will provide the area with a first-class emergency response and continue to meet the needs of the community for years to come.”

Ms Lui said damage caused by severe weather events, such as Tropical Cyclone Nora, continued to influence the region’s disaster management.

“With the help of QFES, Rio Tinto who have donated land and the Weipa Town Authority, the new $1.2 million Disaster and Emergency Management Centre will greatly assist in identifying at-risk locations and developing plans to address any concerns that may arise in the future,” she said.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said capital works initiatives in the far north were crucial for the community, particularly those in isolated areas.

“The combined rescue facility on Horn Island will enhance local emergency response and provide a solid base of operations for volunteers,” Ms Carroll said.  

ENDS