By Sonia Isaacs
THE planned demolition of the Glass House Mountains State Emergency Service (SES) depot at Beerwah Parade has sparked growing concern among volunteers, who say they still have no certainty about where they will operate once the site is cleared for the Wave Rail project.
The modest but critical facility on Beerwah Parade functions as far more than a storage shed.
It houses rescue vehicles and specialist equipment, operates as a sandbagging station during severe weather, and serves as the primary assembly point for volunteers responding to callouts, including regular mountain rescues across the Glass House Mountains.
Volunteers fear they could be forced to vacate the depot later this year without a confirmed alternative site in place, potentially disrupting response times and local capability.
While some SES members have voiced concerns online, an official Glass House Mountains SES representative declined to comment when approached. “We just can’t comment. That’s our directive from on high,” the representative said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed the site would be resumed.
“The reference design of The Wave (Rail) was developed to minimise property impacts; however, the impact to the SES site is unavoidable due to the significant works required to deliver the wider railway environment needed in Beerwah,” the spokesperson said.
TMR said relocation of the SES facility, including identification of alternate sites, was being jointly managed by the SES, Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
“TMR has undertaken several rounds of consultation on The Wave (Rail) in communities across the proposed railway corridor, including in Beerwah, with further consultation to occur in coming months,” the spokesperson said.
State Emergency Service spokesperson Angela Everist said the organisation was working to ensure volunteers would continue to be supported.
“The SES is committed to ensuring volunteers have the resources and infrastructure needed to continue their vital work supporting the Beerwah and Glass House Mountains communities,” she said.
“We are continuing to work alongside relevant stakeholders to establish a long-term location for the SES in Beerwah, which will allow the unit to continue its invaluable service to the community, while minimising disruption to operations during the transition.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the volunteer unit played a crucial role in the region’s disaster response and community safety.
“The SES provides an invaluable service to our community,” she said.
“The dedicated volunteer teams are ready when the community needs them most, and we’re committed to continuing those conversations and working with the SES so they have the reassurance of long-term stability in the infrastructure.”
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said retaining a localised SES presence was vitally important, particularly given the frequency of mountain rescues in the Glass House Mountains.
For now, however, volunteers remain in limbo continuing their training and emergency preparations while awaiting confirmation of where their next base will be, and whether it will allow them to remain embedded in the community they serve.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
