Rural Fire Service volunteers powering ahead

Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers in Childers and Gregory River will be better prepared when responding to emergencies after receiving new equipment from a partnership with Energy Queensland today.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said more than $60,000 in equipment had been provided to support local Rural Fire Service volunteers so they could continue the vital work they do protecting communities in the region. 

“This region has experienced its fair share of natural disasters over the years and our RFS volunteers have been instrumental on the frontline and behind the scenes,” Mr Ryan said.

“As the region continues to grow, it’s important we equip RFS crews with the tools they need to deliver support when disaster strikes.

“Today we officially handed over four new generators valued at more than $14,000 to the Childers Rural Fire Brigade.

“These generators will provide a much-needed power source for critical equipment when responding to emergency incidents.

“We also handed over a new all-terrain vehicle valued at more than $49,000 to Gregory River Rural Fire Brigade.

“The Gregory River crew services an area that includes forestry land and farms and this vehicle will improve accessibility for bushfire mitigation and response.”

Mr Ryan said a partnership had been in place with Energy Queensland for many years, starting with Energex in 2007.

QFES Assistant Commissioner North Coast Region Gary McCormack said the generous donation of funds to purchase necessary equipment provided an important boost to the brigades’ capability.

“The hard-working crews from Childers and Gregory River fight to keep well-loved family homes, businesses and properties protected when disaster strikes,” Mr McCormack said.

“This new equipment will enable our volunteers to work better with their communities, in any location, to prepare for and respond to bushfire threats.

“QFES, and the people they serve, are grateful for the ongoing support of Energy Queensland.”

Energy Queensland Chief Executive Officer Rod Duke praised the work of the RFS.

“Mother Nature has certainly kept the state’s Rural Fire Service volunteers busy in recent years and they’ve done an amazing job protecting the community,” Mr Duke said.

“They’ve also provided invaluable support to us by protecting the community’s power supply and, although the flames have been fierce, we have only seen minimal impact on the electricity network thanks to their courageous and very professional work.

“It is because of this dedication, determination and commitment we have continued our long-term partnership with the Rural Fire Service of Queensland and we’re proud to be able to again provide much needed lifesaving equipment to their brigades.”

ENDS

Media contacts

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

QFES Media: (07) 3635 3310