The Crisafulli Government has bolstered support for Whitsunday region firefighters by delivering a brand new $1.15 million Type 3 appliance for the Bowen Queensland Fire and Rescue Station.

The Crisafulli Government is restoring confidence, ensuring firefighters are protected with investment in new appliances.

The truck is the first of its kind delivered to the Bowen station and is considered a jack-of-all-trades appliance, built with the capability of responding to structural, petrol, chemical and grass fires.

Additional features include modern road crash rescue equipment and more room for specialised swiftwater rescue and vertical rescue equipment, giving crews enhanced capability to respond efficiently to a variety of emergencies.

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said this was a strong demonstration of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to delivering for Queensland’s firefighters.

“From one moment to the next, firefighters can find themselves responding to emergency situations like structure fires, serious road crashes, hazardous materials incidents and swiftwater rescues like those in the north have seen in recent weeks,” Minister Leahy said.

“The delivery of this new truck is yet another example of the Crisafulli Government’s ongoing commitment to equipping firefighters with quality resources that help them protect the Queenslanders they serve.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said this commitment shows the Crisafulli Government’s strong support for regional communities.

“Our firefighters go above and beyond for this community, and this new appliance gives them the modern, reliable equipment they need to do their job with confidence and capability,” Mr Last said.

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Neil said the new fit-for-purpose appliance would help Bowen firefighters continue providing first-class frontline services to their community. 

“Firefighters in Bowen can be called to help people in need right across the Whitsunday region, from Proserpine to the south, inland to Collinsville and north to Gumlu,” he said. 

“This appliance is a valuable asset to the continued service delivery for Bowen and surrounding communities, and the crews have undergone extensive training to ensure they are familiar with the appliance and ready to use it well.”