Land grant backs Central Queensland rural fire brigade

The Iona Rural Fire Brigade will be better prepared to provide local emergency responses thanks to a land grant from Sunwater.

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said a parcel of land at Fairbairn Dam – near Emerald – has been made available to the brigade to assist with emergency response and has been backed by further support of $200,000 by Sunwater to develop facilities and infrastructure at the site, located on Selma Road.

“The weather events experienced across the country last summer highlight the importance of emergency services volunteers to their local communities and the need for them to have access to the best possible facilities to do their jobs,” Mr Butcher said.

“Residents who live near Fairbairn Dam rely on the Iona brigade to respond quickly to fires, accidents and searches.

“This donation from Sunwater will support the Iona Rural Fire Brigade to provide even greater support to their local community.”

The activities were coordinated by Sunwater’s Major Projects group, which undertook the adjacent Fairbairn Dam Improvement Project that was completed in October 2020.

Central Queensland vendors McCosker Contracting, Simon Contractors, Concrete Pumping Queensland, Form Direct, Hanson, Emerald Sheds and CCMT donated their time, materials and services.

The upgrade involved clearing and surveying, underground services, construction of a driveway, concrete hardstand and erection of a new shed.

Rural Fire Brigade Area Director Mark Somers said the one-acre parcel of land would serve as the Iona brigade’s first formal facility.

“Having this site available as we head into another summer season will make a real difference to all of our volunteer efforts,” Mr Somers said.

“It will allow us to store equipment, hold meetings and conduct training.

“On behalf of everyone at the brigade, I would like to thank Sunwater for their contribution.”

“The creation of the base for the Iona Brigade was a great demonstration of community awareness by SunWater and contractors during this major dam upgrade,” Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said.

“These are the win-win outcomes when consultation with the region is done will.

“Iona Brigade covers a significant area to Fairbairn Dam and along the environs along the river downstream of the spillway and this facility will give them great operational capacity to respond to emergencies.”

The site and facilities are now ready for use by the brigade.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Butcher – Daniel Lato - 0438 891 158