Palaszczuk Government's record QFES budget to deliver new fire station for Hervey Bay

A replacement Fire and Rescue Station – complete with new appliances - will be built in Hervey Bay under the Palaszczuk Government’s record $702 million 2018-19 QFES budget.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the combined auxiliary and permanent fire and rescue facility would “ensure the future needs of the community are met”.

“The new station will be delivered through the $83 million capital works commitment included in our record 2018-19 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) budget,” Mr Crawford said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to bolstering emergency services capabilities in regional Queensland – and enhancing community safety across the State.

“Being able to deploy more effectively and efficiently will give firefighters the best possible chance of protecting not just the town of Hervey Bay, but also the wider area – well into the future.”

Mr Crawford said the current Torquay Fire and Rescue Station was established in 1968 and serviced the growing regional hub, including as far south as River Heads and out to Fraser Island.

“The new multi-million facility will provide extra space for world-class appliances, equipment and supplies,” Mr Crawford said.

“It will include three engine bays and two frontline vehicles – fitted with enhanced firefighting operations along with the latest road crash rescue and recovery equipment.

“The vehicles will be a fantastic addition for firefighters when responding to a wide range of incidents including bushfires, structure fires, rescues and traffic crashes.

“Other features will include an Incident Control Centre, storage facilities and a state-of-the-art training facility - all important additions to existing firefighting resources,” he said.

QFES Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt welcomed today’s announcement and said the new station would eventually be home to 21 permanent and 10 auxiliary firefighters.

"The new station will provide a bigger and better base for both the permanent and auxiliary firefighters who protect Hervey Bay and the surrounding communities from fires, crashes, chemical spills and other emergencies,” Mr Cawcutt said.

“Our firefighters work tirelessly to protect Queensland communities, so anything that makes their jobs a bit easier is always appreciated.”

It is expected the new Fire and Rescue Station will be completed in late 2021.

ENDS

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