After years of delays the Crisafulli government has delivered a new, state-of-the-art appliance to the Ayr Fire & Rescue Station as part of an historic investment in the Queensland Fire Department.

The new appliance will allow local firefighters to respond to a range of emergencies with the best available equipment according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

“The delivery of this new appliance has been a long time coming for our local firefighters,” he said.  “The former government made promises time after time but failed to keep them when it came to the new appliance.”

“Our local crews respond to a broad range of incidents ranging from fires to road incidents and even technical rescues.  Given the distances they cover, it is essential that they have the equipment they need to perform those duties as effectively and safely as possible, and the new appliance makes a huge contribution to achieving that.”

“The reality is that, for too long, our local Fire & Rescue teams have been left with aging equipment and facilities that pose potential danger.  In less than 12 months the Crisafulli government has addressed the delivery of the new appliance, and we are well on the way when it comes to the new station that we committed to in the lead up to the October election.”

“Just like the community, I am extremely grateful to, and proud of, our local firefighters and I am proud of my role in securing the resources they need to protect our community.  The Crisafulli Government’s commitments to the staff in the Burdekin are a clear demonstration of our support for the hard-working men and women who protect Queensland communities every day”

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government backed our firefighters at every opportunity.

“We are supporting our frontline services and, after 10 years of decline, firies are finally getting the support and resources they deserve,” Minister Leahy said.  “This forms part of the more than $134 million we have delivered for modernised facilities, vehicles, and equipment for the Queensland Fire Department, delivering the Fresh Start our hardworking firies deserve.”.

“These are people who are literally prepared to put their lives on the line for the community, but the former government would not even honour their commitments to them.  The Crisafulli Government, in stark contrast, is backing Queensland’s frontline heroes with real funding, new resources, and a newfound respect.”

“Under Labor, our local firies were being forced to work in outdated stations with ageing equipment and no confidence that things would improve.  Within weeks after the election, the plan to deliver a new station and have the new appliance on the ground in the Burdekin was finalised due to our government’s support of emergency services and Dale Last’s determination to have these local issues addressed.”

“The delivery of this appliance is the first of many improvements that our local firies deserve due to their bravery and service to this community.”