The Queensland Government is set to rollout $654,000 of new operational and training equipment to support Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ).
The announcement was made at the Yellow Ribbon Day event – which recognised the commitment of Queensland’s 27,000 rural volunteer firefighters – by the Queensland Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery, Nikki Boyd. Yellow Ribbon Day is an initiative started by Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland.
Over coming weeks, each RFSQ region will receive five 10,000L collapsible and portable water tanks and two Remotely Piloted Aircraft System drones with seven new virtual reality training systems also available for use around the state.
A Retardant and Suppressant Computerised Automated Loading system for gel or water re-supply during aviation firefighting is also being added to RFSQ capability.
Contracts worth more than $15 million are also in place for the delivery around Queensland of 91 Light Attack appliances, often the first line of defence for firefighters battling blazes in hard-to-reach locations.
The appliances are part of a $19.5 million State Government Budget commitment for new and replacement RFSQ trucks.
In the 2023 fire season, RFSQ volunteers from 1,400 rural brigades kept Queenslanders safe by responding to more than 7,500 bushfires and nearly 30,000 vegetation fires, across more than 3.29 million hectares.
Minister Boyd said that Queensland’s tireless rural firefighter volunteers are the backbone of safe communities and deserve the recognition of Queenslanders.
“The new equipment the Queensland Government is rolling out is about backing rural volunteer firefighters who protect and support local communities.”
Queensland Fire Department Commissioner, Steve Smith, said that the RFSQ volunteer members provide a range of services to help keep Queensland safe, from assisting landowners with mitigation activities, to frontline firefighting and community education.
“Yellow Ribbon Day is an important time for us to show our thanks and acknowledge the sacrifices they make to help Queenslanders in times of need,” Mr Smith said.
“The equipment boost delivered over the coming weeks will be of great benefit to our crews this bushfire season and beyond.”
RFSQ Chief Officer, Ben Millington, said that 2024 marks the first Yellow Ribbon Day of the new RFSQ and that it’s a very exciting time for the service, as the government continues to invest in its vital volunteers.
“These light attack vehicles are the first line of defence for remote or difficult to access areas and allow for a swift response in places that some of our other appliances may not be able to reach,” Mr Millington said.
“The water collar tanks can be set up in a range of locations and are often strategically positioned for aviation water resupply, while the drones provide invaluable safety benefits to our crews by enabling them to get better visibility of fires before going in themselves.
“The virtual reality training systems provide a unique ability for our crews to immerse themselves in various scenarios they may face during operations while in a safe and controlled environment.”
Image: Daniel Taylor Producer/shutterstock.com
