Warwick Fire and Rescue Station has three reasons to celebrate after the official handover of a new firefighting and rescue truck, the announcement of nine additional firefighter positions that will be filled by the end of 2020 and the region’s SES receiving a funding boost.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford, who was at Warwick Fire and Rescue Station, said the Palaszczuk Government’s promise was to deliver 100 Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) firefighters and has done better, with all of the 100 firefighter positions due to be appointed by September 2020.
“The new firefighting positions will enable Warwick to move to a permanently crewed 24/7 station, providing an even greater level of support to the community,” Mr Crawford said.
“By the end of 2020, Warwick Fire and Rescue Station will be crewed by 36 staff including 19 full-time firefighters and 17 auxiliary firefighters.”
Mr Crawford also officially handed over a new Type 2 Urban Pumper appliance.
“We’ve invested $50 million upgrading the QFES fleet. It’s all part of Unite and Recover for Queenslanders and spells more red and yellow trucks for our frontline personnel and more jobs.
“The $580,000 Type 2 Urban Pumper has a 2000 litre water tank and boasts a compressed air foam system (CAFS) to enhance firefighting operations and reduce water usage,” he said.
The firefighting truck can be used for command and control response, technical response, hazardous incidents and road crash rescues.
“The community relies on QFES to be there when they need them most, and having the right staffing and equipment is vital to the work they do.
“The last bushfire season saw significant fires in the Southern Downs region, particularly along the border with New South Wales.
“It’s important that our professional firefighters have the resources they need in order to meet emergencies such as those they confronted last bushfire season.
“Just as the community relies on firefighters to support them during disasters, firefighters rely on up-to-date equipment to support their work.
“Anything we can do to empower our firefighters is a privilege, and the addition of nine new positions at this station, along with this new appliance, will go a long way in boosting frontline capabilities,” he said.
The station is currently undergoing minor capital works to accommodate the expanded workforce and change to operations.
“I’m also pleased to announce that the SES in the Southern Downs Regional Council, will be one of 13 SES Groups across the state to receive a boost in funding as part of the Support Grant program.
“The $13,551 will be used for accommodation and will make major improvements to existing facilities,” Mr Crawford said.
