- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment, with $5 million committed to more than 400 RFSQ brigades across Queensland to receive satellite communication technology.
- The project will equip frontline vehicles with enhanced communication capabilities through a satellite network, providing volunteer firefighters with a much-needed boost in reliable and resilient communication networks.
- Crisafulli Government’s record $1.17 billion Budget is delivering for Queensland’s firefighters and regional communities, after years of Labor failing to properly support the frontline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering critical satellite communication technology upgrades to Rural Fire Service Queensland vehicles across the State, fulfilling a key election commitment.
From Aurukun on Cape York Peninsula to Wallangarra on the NSW border, more than 400 RFSQ brigades across Queensland will receive the technology as part of the Crisafulli Government’s $5 million election commitment.
This project will equip frontline response vehicles with enhanced satellite communications, improving connectivity for volunteer firefighters as they protect Queensland communities.
The former Labor Government left Queensland’s volunteer firefighters with unreliable communications, putting crews at risk when it matters most, during their decline of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is also delivering a record $1.17 billion Budget for a new firefighting fleet for the Rural Fire Service, with more than 100 new trucks delivered in the past year, which is five times the number the former Labor Government delivered in its final year.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the technology was empowering Queensland’s volunteer firefighters with the peace of mind that they can respond to their communities safely and effectively.
“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening frontline communications for volunteer firefighters after Labor failed to modernise critical communications, leaving frontline crews without the technology they need,” Minister Leahy said.
“Queensland is the most disaster-prone and decentralised state in the nation, and reliable connectivity in remote areas is essential to protecting lives and property.
“We’re delivering on our election commitment to restore safety for Queenslanders by strengthening frontline capability and ensuring our volunteer firefighters stay connected when it matters most.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and this investment means they can respond with confidence, knowing they have the reliable support they need to do their job safely and effectively.”
Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Chief Officer Kaylene Jones said the fleet connectivity project formed part of the service’s wider commitment to enhancing fleet capabilities.
“Investing in the safety and effective service delivery for our volunteers remains the highest priority for RFSQ, and this project is a testament to that,” Chief Officer Jones said.
“The network will provide reliable connectivity for our people and our vehicles in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable or unreliable.
“It ensures our crews can access time-critical information and maintain connectivity and communications while responding to incidents in very challenging environments.
“This project comes at a very important time, with what is expected to be a challenging higher risk bushfire period in the months ahead.”
