Frontline resources will get a much-needed boost from Fire and Emergency Services, for ICT and audio-visual equipment improvements at the State Disaster Coordination Centre in Kedron.
More than $900 million will be invested to enhance the services being delivered by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) which includes the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Rural Fire Service (RFS), State Emergency Service (SES) and marine rescue services.
Moreover, the “If It’s Flooded, Forget It” campaign will also continue under Fire and Emergency Services’ 2022-23 budget. In particular, funding will be earmarked for a technology refresh and enhancement of the ICT and audio-visual equipment of the State Disaster Coordination Centre.
Residents of Airlie Beach, Caloundra South, Drayton, Greater Springfield, Gympie South, Hervey Bay, Loganlea, Lowood, Maryborough, Moreton Bay, Mount Cotton, and South Townsville are to benefit from the new and upgraded facilities as part of the record budget.
“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services continues to stand strong alongside the community through emergencies, disaster response and recovery,” Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said.
“The delivery of new and upgraded facilities, equipment and infrastructure will enable crews to continue to serve and protect Queensland communities.”
“In recent months QFES officers, staff, and volunteers have shown exceptional skill and courage through one of the most challenging wet seasons Queensland has seen in recent history.”
Investment in new and replacement FRS and RFS trucks and new vessels for the SES and marine rescue services will also be part of the budget.
Committed as well for the next financial year is an additional $10 million to go towards new RFS facilities and an additional $8 million to marine rescue services to support operational capability and replacement of rescue vessels.
The State Government has also committed to enhancing the SES operational capability and risk management with a $20 million funding boost for 33 new positions and new equipment including new SES flood boats and upgraded facilities for the Lowood SES Group.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to enhancing QFES’ frontline resources so firefighters and fire and emergency services volunteers and staff can continue to safely and effectively respond to a wide range of emergency incidents, which often require specialist training and equipment,” Mr Ryan added.
“That’s why this budget also allocates funding for specialised firefighting equipment, scientific analysis and detection, breathing apparatus, severe weather response and rescue equipment.
“The Palaszczuk Government is supporting Queensland’s future single integrated marine rescue service (Marine Rescue Queensland) with a vessel replacement program that includes the delivery of the first new vessel in the program to Thursday Island.”
“We welcome the record investment in the FRS of new firefighters, facilities, and equipment and the historic additional commitment of funding to the SES, RFS, and Marine Rescue Queensland. Our workforce in Queensland is vital and we need to ensure they are appropriately equipped to continue to meet community expectations,” QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said.
“QFES is continuously looking at ways to evolve and improve its emergency response and upgrading facilities and equipment is at the forefront of how we can achieve this.”
Learn more about the State Budget here.
