The opening of the $4.9m Northern Peninsula Area Emergency Services Facility at Bamaga near the tip of Cape York. Photo: David Kempton.
A new $4.9 million hub for emergency services workers and volunteers has opened at Bamaga near the tip of Cape York.
The new Rural Fire Service (RFS) Queensland emergency hub, the Northern Peninsula Area Emergency Services Facility will support 17 rural fire brigades, more than 160 volunteers, as well as the State Emergency Service (SES) across the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait.
Cook MP David Kempton described the new facility as a major investment in community safety and disaster resilience.
“Communities across the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait face unique challenges when emergencies occur and this facility will provide local volunteers and emergency services with a strong base to support their important work,” he said.
“This investment recognises the critical role volunteers play in protecting remote communities and ensures they have modern facilities to help them prepare for and respond to disasters when they occur.”
RFS Deputy Chief Officer Clint Tunnie said the official opening was a milestone for brigades across the region.
The Northern Peninsula Area Emergency Services Facility opened on Tuesday (11 August). Photo: David Kempton.
“This is the first time an RFSQ station has operated from Bamaga,” he said.
“These brigades are busy preparing for the higher risk bushfire period and this facility is an important part of supporting that work.”
Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Minister Ann Leahy said the new facility, which opened on Tuesday (11 August), boosted emergency services capability.
She said the State Government “is delivering the facilities and support volunteers need to protect their communities and respond when disasters strike”.
“More than 160 Rural Fire Service Queensland volunteers across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area will benefit from this new hub, helping restore safety where you live through stronger preparedness, coordination and emergency response capability,” Ms Leahy said.
The RFS is also getting its fleet gradually renewed as part of a $1.7 billion firefighting commitment in the recent Queensland Budget.
Northern Peninsula Area Rural Fire Brigade is now based in the facility and it will serve as a hub for RFS support staff and the SES to strengthen coordination during emergencies, including natural disasters.
