The Queensland Government is investing $1.75 million in the Maryborough firefighting division with the delivery of two new appliances.
At Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station, Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, officially delivered the keys to a new Type 3 Urban Pumper and an Urban Water Tanker.
The Type 3 is the workhorse of firefighting appliances with a 1,500L water tank, fitted to a 4,500L per minute pump and foam injection system.
Also onboard the Type 3 appliance is equipment for a range of emergency responses from firefighting and hazardous material to road crash rescue.
The 9,000L Urban Water Tanker has a Compressed Air Foam System for more effective and efficient water use and a Cabin Deluge System, which sprays water around the vehicle to help protect firefighters from truck burn over.
New firefighting capability follows the addition of 12 extra, permanent frontline firefighting jobs for the 24/7 crewing of heavy rescue and operational support appliances at Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station.
The 12 extra permanent firefighter positions at Maryborough are part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to an additional 500 firefighters by 2026.
Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, said that firefighters in the Maryborough Division do an amazing job on the frontline responding to emergencies and keeping the community safe.
“The $1.75 million invested by the Queensland Government in new appliances for Maryborough will help make our firefighters safer while doing their lifesaving work,” Mr Saunders said.
“Handing over the keys to the new appliances follows the upgrade of Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station to 24-hour operation with 12 extra firefighting positions.
“The State Government’s investment in Maryborough Division delivers peace-of-mind for the community and ensures firefighters have the right tools for the job.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery, Nikki Boyd, said that the safety of Queenslanders, including the state’s frontline firefighters, is an absolute priority.
“These new appliances and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station’s 24-hour crewing strengthen the region’s frontline response capability to fire and road trauma,” Minister Boyd said.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Assistant Commissioner, Gary McCormack, said that the community relies on emergency services to be there when they need them most, and having the right equipment is vital to the work they do.
“It is always a privilege to support our firefighters in the lifesaving work they do, and these new appliances are a fantastic addition to the region’s firefighting capabilities.
“Local communities can rest assured that their firefighters are ready to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency.”
Featured image: Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, handing over the keys for the new appliances. Image credit: Queensland Government.
