A new fire station servicing parts of Redlands and Logan could be handed over to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services by the end of this year, with works on the $12m facility now under way through government construction unit QBuild.
The new facility will be positioned at the corner of Mount Cotton and Coorang roads at Carbrook but will provide frontline resources to Mount Cotton, Sheldon, Daisy Hill and nearby national parks.
QFES and RACQ have signed a memorandum of understanding which will also allow crews to use parts of the Mobility Centre at Cornubia – situated near the new station – for helicopter and vehicle operations where required.
Parts of the 45-hectare site, which is a purpose-built driver training, research and event facility, can also be used as a staging area for transferring personnel, equipment and evacuees during emergencies.
The partnership will bolster aerial firefighting capabilities and enhance the fire and rescue response provided to the bay islands.
Springwood MP Mick de Brenni said he had been working with the community to get the project under way as soon as possible, having pledged to build a new fire station just weeks out from the 2020 election.
“Today we start work on our commitment to delivering frontline resources to Mt Cotton, Sheldon, Daisy Hill and nearby National Parks with the new state-of-the-art Mount Cotton Road Fire Station,” he said.
“It’s always been of the highest importance to me that vehicles housed at the Mount Cotton Road site are equipped with off-road capabilities, and in an area nearby to heavy bushland, it’s important this station has the necessary specialist bushfire response capability.”
The Mount Cotton Road site was selected based on advice from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to enable fast and effective emergency response to a range of natural and man-made incidents.
The station will include a 50-person training room, external training tower, breathing apparatus compressor room, duty office, gymnasium and kitchen.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said a permanently staffed station would be invaluable for Redlands.
“The Redlands region is rapidly evolving, and this brand-new multi-purpose station will ensure locals are assisted in preparing for and remaining safe during emergencies and natural disasters,” he said.
Works are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
