WHEN disaster strikes, help is now much closer to hand in Jimboomba.
The town now has its own State Emergency Service (SES) depot, officially opened last night by Logan Mayor Pam Parker.
Plans for the $120,000 depot had been discussed since before amalgamation but the impetus grew from late last year, culminating in last night's opening.
Jimboomba SES group leader Craig Guy said he was thrilled with the new depot.
"I had in my mind a little tin shed, but to come here and see this, it's incredible," he said.
"I'm hoping our truck and boat can become a familiar sight in the Jimboomba area."
Mr Guy said the depot planned to hold an open day down the track so the local community could get to know its local SES branch better.
The Jimboomba depot joins the SES branches in Logan Village and Logan West and Local controller Jim Ferguson said it was long overdue.
He looked forward to expanding the SES' involvement with the Jimboomba and Flagstone communities now it was up and running.
"I'm pleased it (the depot) has finally happened," he said.
From five founding members the Jimboomba depot has grown to 18 volunteers now, with a further five in training.
Cr Parker paid tribute to the invaluable work of the "Orange Angels" during times of crisis in Logan and has pledged that if the Jimboomba depot can attract a further 10 volunteers by Christmas, she will buy it an espresso machine.
For more information on the SES, phone 132 500 or visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses/
