Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today (Friday) officially opened Herberton’s new $2.7 million fire station – and presented State Emergency Service (SES) crews with three new trailers worth more than $63,000.
Mr Crawford also announced the old Herberton fire station – built in 1973 – would be handed over to the Herberton SES Group.
"I am proud of the Palaszczuk Government’s significant financial contribution for these new resources for our hardworking QFES staff and volunteers in the region," Mr Crawford said.
"The new Fire and Rescue Station, funded under the government’s Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program, will ensure firefighters are well equipped to continue delivering their high standard of service to local communities – while the old facility will be a valuable investment for the SES."
Herberton Fire and Rescue Station services an area from the top of the Herberton range, south to Ravenshoe, east to Moomin and west to Petford.
"Crews from the station are first responders to road crash rescues, vegetation and building fires and alarm call outs," Mr Crawford said.
"The new facility has two engine bays, a training room and multipurpose area, so crews will have quality facilities, extra space for appliances and ample storage for equipment and supplies.
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the three new trailers – funded through the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Major Equipment Program – would be utilised by Herberton, Malanda and Atherton SES groups.
"This new equipment will be used during storm damage operations and support the SES to help communities when they need it most during emergencies and natural disasters," Ms Carroll said.
"SES staff and volunteers provide vital support to communities through community education, flood boat operations, incident management, search, traffic management and storm response."
The Tablelands Regional Unit – which includes Herberton, Atherton and Malanda – has around 138 active volunteers across 5 groups who provide vital support to communities in the Far Northern Region.
