The Sunshine Coast region is set to receive an enhanced emergency services capability with plans for two purpose-built fire stations progressing well.
Minister for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, said construction of a new Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) complex at Beerwah, which will house an integrated fire and emergency services capability, was on track for timely completion.
"The Sunshine Coast has seen significant population growth in recent years, and a boost to services in Beerwah to appropriately meet increased community demand is a logical move," Minister Ryan said.
"The existing auxiliary Beerwah FRS Station was constructed 35 years ago and is not suitable for redevelopment or expansion.
"A brand-new combined emergency services complex, with an additional six full-time equivalent (FTE) staff will be a welcome boost in resourcing to ensure Queenslanders are kept safe through flood, fire and other emergencies.
"We expect the new complex to be fully operational in time for the 2025 storm and cyclone season."
Minister Ryan said a new, $6.5 million Fire and Rescue station is also in the pipeline for Caloundra South.
"The design stage for this project started late last year and is progressing well. It's anticipated construction will be completed in 2024," he said.
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, said ensuring the Sunshine Coast's great lifestyle was crucial to all locals.
"These two projects reinforce the Queensland Government's commitment to provide frontline services to the people of Queensland, particularly in the rapidly expanding Sunshine Coast.
"These modernised, state-of-the-art facilities will improve services, create jobs and importantly help our first responders keep their communities safe."
QFES Commissioner, Greg Leach echoed the Minister's sentiments and said the new facilities were a welcome addition to the service's key assets.
"Emergency services personnel right across the state work tremendously hard preparing their communities for a variety of incidents and disasters, as well as responding to them swiftly and efficiently," Commissioner Leach said.
"These two new stations will help our staff and volunteers deliver those critical services to the Sunshine Coast community."
