A tailor-made roster will pave the way for the Burdekin’s 24/7 fire station presence, as Member for Burdekin Dale Last paid tribute to the proactive advocacy by community stakeholders.

Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government hadn’t shied away from achieving an agreement that worked for both permanent and auxiliary firefighters, while upholding community expectations of emergency services.

“By working together with our local firefighters, an agreement has been reached to ensure a timely response to both the community and visitors, including those who travel on the Bruce Highway,” Mr Last said.

“The Crisafulli Government has cleared the way for the implementation of a staffing model of full-time firefighters who will remain at the station after hours to support auxiliaries in responding.”

Mr Last said the new roster recognised the longstanding challenges the Burdekin had faced in recruiting auxiliary firefighters and meant permanent firefighters were not significantly impacted.

“During the term of this agreement, recruitment of auxiliary firefighters will be stepped up and the presence of a full-time firefighter after hours will allow for an increase in training for both existing and new auxiliary firefighters,” Mr Last said.

“As the member for Burdekin, my advocacy for the community has never wavered. I gave a commitment to the local firefighters and the community that we would work cooperatively with them.”

Mr Last said the introduction of the new staffing model arrived as plans were finalised for the construction of a new fire station in the Burdekin.

“I’m proud to stand with our firefighters as they advocated for the best outcome for their community and a replacement fire station is the next step on the road to ensuring they are resourced with the infrastructure they need,” Mr Last said.

“The current facility is contaminated with PFAS and the construction of a new facility cannot come soon enough.”

“It is due recognition for the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe.”