(UPDATED) Big boost for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade

14 March 2024

• A new heavy firefighting vehicle for The Caves Rural Fire Brigade (RFB)
• The $455,000 Hino 500 Rural Fire Service (RFS) Tanker is part of the RFS Fleet Replacement Scheme.
• The Caves is one of five Queensland brigades to get the Hino 500 tanker

A big boost for the firefighting ability of The Caves Rural Fire Brigade with the handover of a new appliance.

The Hino 500 tanker provides additional water support at large-scale structure and vegetation fires.

The tanker is also fitted with vehicle stability control, as vehicles carrying liquid are susceptible to rollovers.

The Caves RFB is one of five brigades across the state to receive this tanker, which was specially designed for Queensland’s RFS.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd:

“Our rural firefighters play a vital role in supporting their community, including responding to grass and bushfires, and planning and conducting bushfire hazard reduction activities,” Minister Boyd said.

“This vehicle ensures the hardworking members of this brigade have the resources they need to perform their lifesaving work.

“This investment in infrastructure will provide direct benefit to The Caves and surrounding communities.”

"The Miles Government is delivering for regional Queensland, unlike the LNP and their plans for cuts that would make life harder for families and their communities."

Quotes attributable to Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:

“The Caves Rural Fire Brigade has very challenging terrain in the local area which makes this new appliance especially important for response capability.”

“The Brigade will now be supported with this extra capacity to help them do their most important work.”

Quotes attributable to Central Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Steve Smith:

“The community relies on the courage and expertise of our firefighters to keep them safe,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“With the best possible equipment at hand, our volunteers will continue to build community resilience and protect people in the greater Rockhampton area in times of need.”

ENDS

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