A thorough review will be conducted into the state’s emergency response to the September bushfires that have affected large parts of south east Queensland.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford has requested Inspector-General Emergency Management undertake a thorough investigation, to ensure best practice was followed and to highlight any areas where possible improvements could be made.
“As the Palaszczuk Government did after last year’s fires and this year’s floods, we want to hear where our response efforts were most effective and whether there are areas where improvement may be needed,” Mr Crawford said.
“Earlier this month I joined the Deputy Premier to visit Canungra and saw first hand not just the devastation of this month’s fires, but the sheer determination of Queenslanders to stand strong when the worst of Mother Nature hits us.
“What we have seen since September 5 is a frightening, early start to the 2019 Bushfire Season – some of the worst bushfires in 130 years.
“I extend a great debt of gratitude to our Queensland firies, emergency services personnel, police, volunteers and everyday Queenslanders who without a second thought, always roll up their sleeves through our state’s darkest times. Having had more than 1400 active bushfires burn across the State in under two weeks is quite simply extraordinary.
“We can be under no doubt about the possible severity of this year’s continuing Bushfire Season.
“We know all too well with extreme weather events in this state, it’s not a matter of IF but WHEN. It’s never too late to prepare your household emergency plan for the unexpected.
“Queenslanders can also be assured no matter what the weather throws at us they can always rely on the dedication and professionalism of QFES staff and volunteers when we need it most.
“The Palascusk Government remains committed to supporting the work of our emergency services now and into the future, with 330 new firefighters in board since 2015, and a boost to fleet numbers with 222 trucks for the Rural Fire Service and 143 trucks for our Fire and Rescue Service at a cost of nearly $40 million.”
