October 26, 2012

by Martin Stern

Volunteers from a number of South Burnett Rural Fire Service brigades attended a meeting in Maryborough last night as part of a special Ministerial review into the RFS.

Local brigades represented included Durong, Maidenwell, Taromeo, South Nanango, Coverty, Glencoe, McEuen, Wattle Camp, Tablelands and Mondure.

There were about 200 Rural Fire Service volunteers at the meeting.

Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said the meetings, which are being held in a number of centres around Queensland, would give volunteers the opportunity to provide input into the future structure, function, leadership and funding of the RFS.

“Our volunteers will no doubt have extremely valuable information which will help us deliver a world class Rural Fire Service while providing greater efficiency, less red tape and more autonomy to volunteers,” he said.

Mr Ted Malone, the Member for Mirani, heads and chairs the review committee panel which consists of:

  • Neil Gallant, Assistant Commissioner Rural Operations, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS).
  • Bryan Cifuentes, Area Director Rural Operations, Cairns Peninsula District, QFRS.
  • Andrew Houley, Biodiversity Manager with Reef Catchments and former member of Rural Operations with QFRS.
  • Mike Garrahy, President of the Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland.
  • Troy Davies, Department of Community Safety.

The meeting was a forum where each member had the opportunity to comment and or make suggestions.

There were a number of topics covered including simplification of the current fire permit system, simplification of police checks for new members, more on-the-ground practical training, more support with government subsidies on essential equipment and the recruitment of new members.

It was also made very clear that the vast majority of members wanted regional offices to remain.

Mr Malone said no regional offices in Queensland would close.

Overall, the evening was a great success and members seemed pleased the State Government would take their suggestions on board.