April 16, 2026
The State Government has adjusted the controversial Rural Fire banking scheme to ensure rural brigades now receive interest on their individual deposits.
Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland (RFBAQ) CEO Justin Choveaux said on Thursday this was a win for volunteer firefighters.
Funds raised by rural brigades through local efforts, grants, council levies, gifts or donations have been deposited into a QFD account rather than locally maintained brigade accounts following a shake-up in 2024 which was opposed at the time by the RFBAQ.
However, these deposits are now held in sub-accounts, which from March 19 will earn interest.
“We would like to thank the Minister for personally ensuring that the interest that previously went into the government consolidated revenue is now being returned to rural fire brigades,” Mr Choveaux said.
“This will mean more money for brigades to fund critical expenses such as feeding firefighters on the fireground.”
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said that by enabling brigade accounts to be interest-bearing, volunteers would receive an additional financial boost to support their critical work in protecting Queenslanders.
