STATE Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton and Rural Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer for the South Eastern Region John Welke joined forces at the Landsborough Rural Fire Brigade last Tuesday (25 November), highlighting vital community safety initiatives as Queensland heads into another unpredictable bushfire and storm season.
Speaking to volunteers, Ms Morton announced the latest outcomes of a longstanding collaboration between Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) and Energy Queensland, which has delivered more than $1 million in new training and safety equipment across the state.
The rollout includes advanced bushfire simulation tables, fine fuel moisture metres and fire weather kits.
“We’re here today to celebrate a great partnership, bringing extra equipment to our region that will really help in educating the public and training these guys that do such a great job to keep our community safe,” Ms Morton said.
Landsborough Rural Fire Brigade First Officer Rob Cullen said the donated items would significantly enhance local training. “The donated items will be used across the South East region for educating new members and the community about fire behaviour. These tools will also assist the region with predicting the behaviour of fires on the fireground.”
With summer conditions expected to deliver heightened bushfire risk alongside severe storms, Ms Morton urged Sunshine Coast residents to remain alert and prepared. “Fires can be really unpredictable, and it’s important that the community remains vigilant… to help make sure our homes and communities are protected,” she said.
Deputy Chief Officer Welke said the equipment alongside previously funded augmented reality training tools will strengthen preparedness and frontline firefighting capability across Queensland. Every RFSQ region will receive a bushfire simulation table, while each district will be equipped with a fine fuel moisture metre and fire weather kit.