The ranks of the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) are to be swelled by 97 new professional firefighters during this financial year.
The positions are to be created increase staff in new and enhanced fire and rescue stations and provide the additional resources to implement a new FRS station crewing model.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said the increase in firefighters represented a boost of more than 15 per cent based on current numbers.
“This financial year’s growth will see resources directed to enhanced service delivery at Charters Towers, Beerwah, and Yarrabilba,” Mr Ryan said.
“Extra firefighters will also be allocated to Brisbane, South Eastern and Far Northern Regions as well as five-day stations, such as Coolum, Port Douglas, Emerald and Kingaroy,” he said.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Greg Leach welcomed the growth of resources and the new crewing model, as the organisation continued to evolve to further protect and enhance safety.
“The new FRS station crewing model will increase the current full-time equivalent staff from 19 to 23 firefighters for pump appliances at 24/7 stations,” Commissioner Leach said.
“Seven-day and five-day stations will also be allocated an appropriate proportion to meet the new model,” he said.
“This is an important step as we build further capability in our FRS to support increased safety for our firefighting crews and Queensland communities.”
Commissioner Leach said the increase in crewing would see service delivery at Charters Towers run from five to seven days with auxiliary firefighters continuing to support the community.
“Formerly an auxiliary-only station, Beerwah will now be staffed for five days with the continued support of auxiliary firefighters,” he said.
“Yarrabilba will also be permanently staffed to operate its new 24/7 station,” Commissioner Leach said.
