QUEENSLAND Fire and Emergency Services are on the hunt for land to build a new Fire and Rescue Station in Hervey Bay.
PHOTO: File / Shaun Ryan.
Officials are hopeful to purchase suitable land this year so construction can start as early as 2023.
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Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan described Hervey Bay as “ever-expanding” and a new station “would set a foundation to bolster resources” servicing the community.
“This region is booming and it’s important fire and emergency services resources match that growth,” Mr Ryan said.
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The Minister made the comment on the Fraser Coast today.
“The Government is committed to boosting resources where they are needed which is why QFES is now searching for a suitable site to purchase for a new Fire and Rescue Station in Hervey Bay.
“QFES advises that it is expecting to complete the land purchase this year and then start construction in the following year.”
Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari welcomed the announcement.
“This is all about investing in local communities to provide the frontline services we need to support community safety,” Mr Tantari said.
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QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said it was important to acknowledge the need to bolster resources and infrastructure in locations that can be exposed to natural disasters.
“Only last month we witnessed the devastation of severe flooding across the Wide Bay region,” he said.
“Enhanced capabilities in areas like Hervey Bay enable QFES to evolve and ensure our emergency response capability continues to protect all communities.
“QFES is looking for the perfect location for the new Hervey Bay Fire and Rescue Station to enhance our operational response, with construction expected to commence in 2023.”
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Secretary of the United Firefighters Union Queensland John Oliver said ensuring professional firefighters have modern facilities is critical and something the union has advocated for.
“This is great news for professional firefighters in Hervey Bay and the North Coast Region,” Mr Oliver said.
Meanwhile, the QFES complex in Lennox Street, Maryborough is being upgraded.
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The region’s central firefighting hub will have state-of-the-art facilities.
The building in the Heritage City will be Australia’s first mass engineered timber fire and emergency services complex.
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