26 September 2023

New firefighters join frontline

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Twenty-nine new firefighters are to be stationed at communities hardest hit by bushfires as part of a commitment to deliver 100 new firefighting positions across the State.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Craig Crawford said the increase in permanent firefighter numbers would ensure the State had the required resourcing to support growing local communities and the number of businesses and other operations in their area.

“In all, 91 roles have now been allocated and the remaining nine roles will be allocated to identified stations by June,” Mr Crawford said.

He said Yeppoon Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Station would move to a seven-day permanent shift model with the addition of five new firefighter positions.

Member of Parliament for Keppel, Brittany Lauga said the increase was an investment in the safety of the community.

“Fire has had a devastating impact on our community in recent months and I want to thank firefighters who have put their lives on the line,” Mrs Lauga said.

“While the road to recovery at Cobraball will be a long one, I’m sure this news will come as some reassurance that our frontline is as strong as it can be.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Greg Leach said auxiliary firefighters would continue to play an important role in their local communities.

“Permanent staff will support these important on-call personnel in their ongoing contribution to the delivery of vital services to their community,” Commissioner Leach said.

The allocated permanent roles are expected to be on shift in the identified communities no later than November.

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