QUEENSLAND Fire and Emergency Services personnel will be better equipped to service the growing population of south-east Queensland following upgrades announced in the 2018-19 state budget, says the State government.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said fire and rescue stations in Loganlea and West Logan would receive almost $2.5 million in upgrades in 2018-19.
Mr Crawford said improvements to the Logan Village Rural Fire Station would be undertaken, with planning underway for the construction of a multi-million-dollar auxiliary fire and rescue station at Yarrabilba in coming years.
“The government’s record funding announcement for QFES demonstrates its commitment to meet Queenslanders’ current and future needs by delivering quality facilities,” Mr Crawford said.
“This government understands the needs of the community and is committed to providing fire and emergency services with practical support.”
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the upgrades were a welcome addition to QFES’ growing presence in south east Queensland.
YARRABILBA AND LOGAN VILLAGE
The government has promised $5 million towards the provision of equipped QFES facilities to service the rapidly expanding surburb of Yarrabilba remains on track.
Logan MP Linus Power said the new facility would be built with the community’s future needs in mind.
“The facility will service the growing community, providing extra space for world-class appliances, equipment and supplies,” he said.
Mr Power said the Logan Village Rural Fire Station would receive a $250,000 upgrade and $750,000 vehicle.
LOGANLEA AND WEST LOGAN
Woodridge MP Cameron Dick said upgraded facilities would improve the operational capability of the QFES in the region.
“It is important we provide our firefighters with well-designed and well-equipped workplaces that help them service their communities efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Waterford MP Shannon Fentiman said $500,000 upgrades to each station were being finalised before builders were sought through a tender process.
Ms Fentiman said construction was expected to be completed at both locations by June 2019.
“This investment will help emergency services keep pace with growth in our community,” she said.
Algester MP Leeanne Enoch said the funding will improve the capability of firefighters to continue the important work of protecting lives and properties in their local communities.
“Nothing is more important to this government than the safety of Queenslanders and the safety of our frontline officers who protect them,” she said.
