Minister opens fire and rescue station
FIRE and emergency services in Charters Towers have a new home.
Queensland Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan travelled to Charters Towers on Sunday to officially declare the new fire station on Enterprise Rd open.
Mr Ryan said the new $3m state-of-the-art fire station was a major investment in frontline firefighting services for the area.
“It is really important to recognise the implications of a changing climate and population growth in areas like Charters Towers and build infrastructure to match the community’s evolving needs,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the spacious and modern facility would better serve the permanent and auxiliary firefighters connected to the station.
The new station includes a dual engine bay, training rooms, a vertical rescue training tower, a large storage area
and a purpose-built breathing apparatus room.
“This significant investment in infrastructure shows a commitment to the safety of the people who reside, work or visit the area,” Mr Ryan said.
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said the updated facility would better enable firefighters to work hand-inhand with the Charters Towers community to prevent and respond to disasters.
“I know these facilities will not only be an asset to our firefighters, but to the wider
Charters Towers community,” Mr Leach said. “Charters Towers Fire and Rescue firefighters respond to a variety of incidents, from structure fires to road traffic incidents and technical rescues.
“Charters Towers Fire and Rescue station also has the capability to respond to hazmat incidents.
“Significant quantities of hazardous materials are transported through North Queensland regularly to support industries and businesses, so it is vital QFES maintains hazmat capabilities to respond safely, quickly and effectively if an incident occurs.”
United Firefighters Union State Secretary John Oliver welcomed the Charters Towers initiative.
“Our firefighters on a daily basis do everything they can to keep the community and their properties safe,” he said.
The State Government first pledged to build a new station in 2019, moving the urban firefighting crew from Gill St to Enterprise Rd.