Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

$9.3M Upgrades For Whitsunday Emergency Services

The Whitsundays is set for a double-boost with progress being made on delivery of both a replacement fire and rescue station and an upgraded police facility with $7 million- and $2.3 million-dollar commitments from state government.

Police and Corrective Services and Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said Airlie Beach and Cannonvale have changed and grown significantly in recent years, spurring the need for a new station.

“The Fire and Rescue Service has determined that a replacement station is required at Cannonvale to improve fire response capability to meet community demand and the Fire and Rescue Service will be discussing this with the community in coming months,” Minister Ryan said.

And announced for the first time is a $2.3 million upgrade of the police facility at Proserpine.

Proserpine was one of a number of towns and regions across the state to benefit from the record $3 billion-plus police budget that featured funding to progress new and upgraded police facilities.

Mr Ryan said the government was committed to boosting resources in those sectors.

“The Budget [had] record spends in police, corrective services, fire and emergency services as part of our commitment to improved services, good jobs and ensuring we are able to retain the lifestyle we have come to expect in Queensland.”

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said an upgraded fire station would be an important asset for the service, especially with Airlie Beach and Cannonvale’s growth in the last few years.

“Our crews do an exceptional job working with the community to prepare for and respond to a wide range of challenging incidents and disasters,” Mr Leach said.

“A new, modern facility will allow our firefighters to continue to deliver a high-standard of fire and emergency services to Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and surrounding areas.”

Mr Leach said Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) will continue to engage with the community on the project, with final completion anticipated in 2024.

Central Region Assistant Commissioner Kev Guteridge said the upgrade to Proserpine Police Station would help service the needs of a growing local community and police workforce.

“With a growing population, demand for policing services continues to rise in the Whitsunday Region,” Assistant Commissioner Guteridge said.

“This is a significant upgrade to the Proserpine Police Station which will ensure we have modern facilities for officers to carry out their duties and service the local community.”

Airlie Beach Fire Service have received $7 million in funding towards their new, central premises alongside a $2.3 million promise to upgrade the Proserpine police facility

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