Minister for Emergency Services, Mark Ryan has announced that the changing climate means the time is right for the establishment of a dedicated, stand-alone Queensland Fire Services Department.
“The review of front-line responses identified that the impacts of climate change required a dedicated fire-fighting entity and renewed focus on fire-fighting capabilities,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Fire Services Department will incorporate existing Fire and Rescue Service personnel and resources,” he said.
“In addition, the Rural Fire Service will be hosted within the new Department as a separate entity with its own dedicated budget.”
Mr Ryan said an additional 143 firefighter positions would be added to Fire and Rescue operations, bringing the total to an additional 500 firefighter positions over six years from July, 2020.
“The Rural Fire Service entity will get a resources boost with more than 100 extra positions and funding for new appliances, facilities and equipment,” Mr Ryan said, noting that an independent report had identified that the changing nature, severity and frequency of severe weather events posed significant challenges.
“The report recommended the changes we are making to establish a dedicated Fire Department,” Mr Ryan said.
“The reforms will mean more personnel, more and better resources for fire service in Queensland,” he said.
“Our emergency services staff, officers and volunteers have always gone above and beyond to protect the community and it is only right that the Government and Queenslanders provide them with the personnel and resources needed to support their selfless efforts.”
