The Palaszczuk Government has announced it is pushing ahead with plans to build a new Fire and Rescue station servicing Mount Cotton and surrounding areas.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the successful acquisition of a site on the corner of Mount Cotton Road and Coorang Road marked the beginning of an important expansion of Fire and Rescue capability in the area.
The new station, a $12 million project including land and construction costs of $7.2m, will be called Mount Cotton Road Fire and Rescue Station.
"Over recent years this area has seen some tremendous growth," Mr Ryan said.
"Building this station is a move that will future-proof our emergency response and ensure the community continues to receive the critical services they deserve."
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Commissioner Greg Leach said, in choosing a location for the new station, multiple sites were considered.
"The analytics for the Mount Cotton Road site best supported our operational response model and the ability to deliver first-class fire and rescue services for the Mount Cotton and surrounding communities," Mr Leach said.
Member for Springwood, Mick de Brenni, said the project would come equipped with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and bushfire response capability.
"I've been working alongside our local community to ensure we could get this important project underway as soon as possible," Mr de Brenni said.
"With the final site now secured, planning is now underway with construction due to commence next year and completion in 2023, weather permitting."
Member for Macalister, Mel McMahon, said the new station would cater for current and future demand in the Mount Cotton and Carbrook areas.
"This is great news for our local community," Ms McMahon said.
"It's a big win for our area to have a new 24/7 Fire and Rescue Station on their doorstep with bushfire response capability."
Member for Capalaba, Don Brown, said he valued any investment that kept people in his community safe.
"I warmly welcome this announcement because it means more firefighters and additional resources will be on the ground in our area," Mr Brown said.
"This new fire station will be especially valuable for protecting rural blocks, houses and businesses at the southern end of Capalaba, next to bushland."
Member for Redlands, Kim Richards, said the new station would support jobs in the area.
"The new station will accommodate various regional functions that are expected to include a helipad to service surrounding areas, including the southern Moreton Bay islands, and create around 23 full time jobs during construction," Ms Richards said.
"Once built there will also be jobs for locally based, fully-trained firefighters and support staff."
Planning work on the new Mount Cotton Road Fire and Rescue Station will commence this year.
State Secretary of the United Firefighters Union Queensland, John Oliver, welcomed today's announcement.
"This is a great site for a brand-new station for our professional firefighters," Mr Oliver said.
"They work hard to keep communities safe and it's good that government supports them with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve."
