Central Region firefighters presented with new $200,000 vehicle and service awards

Central Queensland firefighters have today (Sunday) been recognised through the handing over of a new $200,000 appliance – and several medals recognising their outstanding service.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke – both representing Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford – performed the honours at the annual Emergency Services Day at Rockhampton Heritage Village.

Mrs Lauga, who presented the service awards, said the event was a great opportunity to recognise the personnel who worked tirelessly to protect Central Queensland communities.

“It’s a real privilege to take part in this day, which recognises the region’s Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) staff and volunteers for their high ethical standards, diligence, integrity and professionalism,” Mrs Lauga said.

“I’m honoured to have presented a National Medal, a Diligent and Ethical Service Medal 4^th Clasp, and five QFES Medals to emergency service members who demonstrated an exemplary work performance and conduct in their service,” she said.

Mr O’Rourke handed over the new $200,000 appliance to the Marlborough Rural Fire Brigade (RFB).

He said the new vehicle featured an 1800 litre water capacity with high and low-pressure pumps that will assist for planned burns and bushfires both in the Marlborough RFB area and surrounding districts.

“Replacing a 20-year-old appliance, this new firefighting vehicle will assist with increased highway coverage across the area and support the Marlborough SES particularly during road crash rescues,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“There is no doubt this new appliance is a great addition to the brigade and will make a significant difference in providing primary responses to grass and bushfires in the Central Region.”

Mr Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government would also be delivering 16 new recruits to the Central Region under the first round of its $29 million commitment to deliver 100 new firefighting jobs in Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has the personnel, infrastructure and equipment to deliver enhanced services and support,” Mr Crawford said.

“We reaffirmed this commitment to Queensland communities in this year’s record $702 million QFES Budget, and now we are delivering on our election promise to boost frontline services in these areas.

“Regional centres across Queensland are continuing to grow, so it is only fitting more frontline firefighting staff are sent to these areas to meet future demand,” he said.

The Marlborough RFB, which started in 1977 and now consists of 18 members, services a large section of the Bruce Highway north of Rockhampton and covers an area of 1,435 square kilometres of farming and grazing land.

QFES Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Smith said Emergency Services Day was a great opportunity to recognise the personnel who worked tirelessly to protect Rockhampton communities.

“Today we celebrate the valuable work of QFES and acknowledge the exceptional contributions these people have made in keeping their communities safe through their dedication to duty, courage and passion,” Mr Smith said.

“We are here to support the Central region through recognising outstanding achievements of individuals and handing over essential appliances,” he said.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909