The first project that's part of a $10 million Rural Fire Service budget boost pipeline has been announced.
The $10 million Rural Fire Service budget boost will fund new and upgraded RFS facilities across the state.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan today announced the Moore Linville Rural Fire Brigade would be the first volunteer brigade to benefit from the $10 million infrastructure injection.
"We will build a new facility to base the brigade's 31 volunteers.
"The dedicated volunteers from the Moore Linville RFB exemplify the extraordinary work done by the thousands of volunteers across the state," Mr Ryan said.
"The new station will include four appliance bays, which is an additional two bays to what they currently have, as well as a training room and upgraded equipment facilities."
Minister Ryan said the additional $10 million had been committed, on top of this year's $62 million RFS budget, to bolstering frontline resources and facilities across Queensland.
"The $10 million uplift funding will deliver on priority works in the RFS facilities program and will see new or upgraded facilities delivered in Moore Linville, Weipa, Ogmore, Millaroo Dalbeg, Mount Alford, Kunwarara and Rossville," Mr Ryan said.
"The funding will also contribute to a new RFS headquarters in Maryborough which will include training rooms, storage and an incident control centre to future proof the emergency response in region.
"These new or upgraded facilities will be of direct benefit to the communities they service by providing a venue for local RFS brigades to safely accommodate and maintain assets as well as support brigade and area training activities."
Mr Ryan said an additional $1 million on going funding has been committed to the Rural Fire Service Amenities Program as part of the 2022-23 State Budget, as well as $500,000 in capital grants.
"This program is crucial to ensure we are providing our volunteers the necessary facilities, like toilets and showers, to continue their amazing work in their communities," he said.
"Procurement processes for new amenity buildings have already started with five brigades initially identified, including Fordsdale, Heronvale, Gowrie Little Plain (Meringandan), Gowrie Little Plain (Gowrie Junction) and Cooyar Town and District Brigades.
"This project is extremely important, and I know the RFS is working to further identify brigades most in need."
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said RFS volunteers across the state each played a vital role in supporting their communities through emergencies and disasters.
"It's so important we continue to support RFS brigades by funding new and upgraded facilities, which provide important foundations for our volunteers to continue providing a high level of service to their communities," Mr Wassing said.
"These volunteers work in some of the most challenging conditions, not only during bushfire season but also year-round, providing emergency response to incidents and disasters.
"I'm very excited for the volunteers at Moore Linville RFB, as I know they are, to see plans for their new station moving ahead.
"Across the state this funding will benefit thousands of people, including RFS members and the communities they serve."
Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland President, Ian Pike, welcomed the start of the rollout of the increased investment in facilities.
"Our volunteers right across the state give their time and efforts to protect their local communities.
"To my mind there is no higher calling than giving of yourself to help your fellow Queenslanders.
"Given their dedication and commitment to others it's truly fitting that our volunteers have the best facilities possible."
