December 9, 2021
Kingaroy Fire Station will get one extra professional firefighter this financial year, the State Government announced on Thursday.
The extra FTE firefighter means Kingaroy will now have a full crew of six rostered at the station and enable the adoption of a new crewing model.
The appointment follows a review of crewing numbers at fire stations across Queensland and the recent release of the Safe Crewing Task Force Report by QFES Commissioner Greg Leach.
Across Queensland, 97 firefighters will be joining the ranks of the QFES.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said more than $86 million would be allocated between now and 2025 to grow the total number of frontline professional firefighters by more than 15 per cent based on current numbers.
Commissioner Leach welcomed the growth of resources and the new crewing model.
“The new station crewing model will increase the current full-time equivalent staff from 19 to 23 firefighters for pump appliances at 24/7 stations. Seven-day and five-day stations will also be allocated an appropriate proportion to meet the new model,” Commissioner Leach said.
“This is an important step as we build further capability to support increased safety for our firefighting crews and Queensland communities.”
United Firefighters Union Queensland secretary John Oliver also welcomed the announcement.
“I commend the government for following through on their election commitment (to boost firefighter numbers by 357),” Mr Oliver said.
The commitment is over five years.
