September 19, 2012
The South Burnett Regional Council voted today to throw its support behind the region’s Emergency Services Cadets.
On Monday night Mayor Wayne Kratzmann learned that the Queensland Department Of Community Safety had decided to axe the Emergency Services Cadets program last week because of State Government budget cutbacks.
The axeing is expected to save the Department $1.2 million a year.
At a public meeting at the Kingaroy SES Shed called to discuss the shock decision, a crowd of about 100 heard that the South Burnett branch currently has 28 cadets and 10 adult trainers – all volunteers.
The program teaches young people aged 13 to 18 the skills needed to work effectively in emergency situations and prepares them to take up roles in emergency services such as the police, paramedics, fire brigades or the SES when they become adults.
They were told the local Cadets branch operates on a budget of just $3000 a year, plus uniforms and insurance.
At the meeting, the Mayor said volunteering was “the lifeblood” of the South Burnett and young people like the cadets were the next generation that would keep the community safe.
He said it was vitally important they be supported and pledged that Council would keep the local cadets program running if the State Government couldn’t be persuaded to change its mind.
Today Cr Kratzmann outlined these details to fellow councillors and called for their support to write a letter to the State Government backing his stand.
Cr Keith Campbell agreed the program was vitually important to train future emergency services personnel in the region.
Councillors then voted unanimously to support the Mayor’s motion: “That Council advise the State Government that it supports the Emergency Services Cadets program and request that it continues to fund this valuable community service.”
The Mayor said he would meet with Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington on Wednesday to discuss the matter.
- Related article: Mayor Pledges To Save Cadets
