The State Government will hold a series of meetings with Rural Fire Service volunteers across Queensland in coming weeks as part of a special Ministerial review.
Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said a Review Committee, chaired by the Member for Mirani Ted Malone, would use the meetings to gather information towards making recommendations on “revitalising the RFS”.
“These meetings will give volunteers the opportunity to provide input into the future structure, function, leadership and funding of the RFS,” Mr Dempsey said.
“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.”
Mr Dempsey said meetings would be held in various locations to allow as many volunteers as possible to have input into the review.
The nearest meeting to the South Burnett will be held at Toowoomba on October 22, Ipswich on October 23, Caboolture on October 24 and Maryborough on October 25.
Mr Malone said he would also consult with other interest groups during a forum to be held at the Emergency Services Complex at Kedron in December.
“I am sure that Local Government, agricultural representative bodies, State Government departments and other stakeholders will provide significant feedback on how they want to work with the Rural Fire Service into the future,” Mr Malone said.
Mr Malone said anyone who could not attend a meeting could provide a submission to him by email by December 21.
The review into the Rural Fire Service will be completed by the end of next February.
