The long-awaited new emergency services facility in Maleny was officially opened by Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan MP, and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach today.
In front of a crowd of more than 100, Commissioner Leach said the new facility will house three QFES services, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) auxiliary firefighters, and Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers.
“QFES is a unique department in that it is supported by a well-trained workforce – both paid and volunteer – that is committed to serving their community,” Mr Leach said.
“It’s important we recognise the implications of a changing climate and population growth in areas like Maleny and build infrastructure to match the community’s evolving needs.
“This new station will boost QFES’ capability now and into the future.”
Minister Mark Ryan said the facility represented the importance of investing in community safety.
“This multi-agency complex will serve as an important hub for Sunshine Coast operations and significantly boost QFES’ capability in the area,” Mr Ryan said.
“But providing these excellent facilities is also a fitting demonstration of the gratitude which the whole community has for the hard work and commitment of our emergency services volunteers.
“This fit-for-purpose complex was designed to replace the outdated FRS station and the co-located SES and RFS shed, with a more spacious and modern facility.
“It features a separate four-bay storage shed, three offices, a joint training room, equipment and personal protective equipment room, as well as a backup power generator.”
Minister Ryan, after a quick catch up with his Aunty Joy and cousin Julie, spoke of his local connections to the area.
Telling the gathering that the historic headstones outside the Maleny State School are those of my grandmother’s grandparents.
“My grandmother lived in the fibro house on Bean Street near the water tower and my parents held their wedding reception in the RSL hall,” he said.
The $3.9 million building project, which features a separate four-bay storage shed, three offices, a joint training room, equipment and personal protective equipment room, as well as a backup power generator, boosted the local community with 12 jobs created and a local contractor engaged for the construction.