Central Highlands SES receive welcome boost

Central Highlands State Emergency Services (SES) crews are ready to respond to disaster with a $1.4 million boost to facilities and equipment funded by Central Highlands Regional Council and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).

Council, SES volunteers and QFES representatives welcomed Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford to the region on Tuesday for an official hand-over tour.

Councillor Charlie Brimblecombe welcomed the minister and QFES representatives on behalf of council.

‘With the official opening tour, SES volunteers get, not only new equipment and facilities, but also formal recognition for their efforts,’ he said.

The $1.4 million investment is co-funded by council with $1.225 million and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services with $215,000.

‘We now have new facilities for crews based in Duaringa and Blackwater, five new vehicles, a flood boat and two trailers,’ he said.

‘This supports our communities and ensures resilience to flood, fire and other emergencies.

‘We have seen quite a few disasters come through our region and this is what we need to do – make sure those volunteers have the equipment they need to do the job because, without them, we would not get back on our feet as fast as we do.’

The group recognised the official hand over of the following SES facilities and equipment:

 A $215,000 Duaringa SES facility, with a council contribution of $165,000. A $600,000 Blackwater SES facility, funded by the SES Non-Recurrent Subsidy Program, with a council contribution of $550,000 and QFES contribution of $50,000. A Road Accident Rescue truck for Rolleston, with a council contribution of $257,000. A flood boat, trailer and vehicle for Springsure SES, with a council contribution of $53,000. An operational support vehicle, and two people movement vehicles, worth almost $160,000 provided by council with a QFES contribution of $20,000. A trailer for Capella SES funded by the QFES SES Major Equipment Replacement Program.