High-tech fire fortress
New centre just start for fireys
THE region’s firefighters will be better prepared to respond to all emergencies with the official opening of a $750,000 training facility in Charlton.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford yesterday officially opened the Tactical Training Facility which will enable southwest region firefighters to train and prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Built by Toowoomba firm Newlands over the past three months, the facility is part of an $11 million funding splash to future-proof the region for the next five decades.
“The facility will assist firefighters to undertake training in technical rescue, vertical rescue, ladder drills, fire safety and search and rescue in smoke filled atmospheres,” he said.
Mr Crawford said the State Government would spend $7 million on a new regional headquarters at Charlton.
Another $3.5 million will be invested in a new fire station at the Charlton precinct.
Mr Crawford said growth in Toowoomba’s western corridor through the second range crossing, industrial precinct and the busy Warrego Highway earmarked the area for additional services.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the training facility would better prepare the region’s firefighting men and women.
“Building new facilities means the community can feel at ease knowing our fire and emergency services are ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” she said.
“It’s pretty high tech; it has been built over the last three months.
“It is an area that is growing considerably quickly so we’ve actually located all of these facilities in an area where we believe the growth will be.”
Commissioner Carroll said the regional headquarters would see the fire communications centre move from the Toowoomba CBD to Charlton, along with other specialist units.
“It will also future proof us for the next 50 years,” she said.
Photo: Bev Lacey