- The State Emergency Service (SES) in Gladstone now has staff permanently based in Gladstone with the official opening of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Gladstone complex.
- The complex will co-locate the Gladstone SES with the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and Rural Fire Service (RFS).
- The enhanced SES staffing presence will improve service delivery and community safety in the region.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Gladstone complex was officially opened today by the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan.
The official opening celebrates the return of a permanent SES staffing presence in Gladstone alongside the FRS and RFS.
The return of an SES presence in Gladstone forms part of the Palaszczuk Government’s record SES Uplift Program that commenced last year, boosting the capability of the SES across the state.
The Palaszczuk Government is committed to better fire and emergency for a safter Queensland, delivering a $578 million reform package over five years, which will provide an ongoing annual SES budget of $60 million and better align the SES with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
The historic emergency services reforms include over 500 additional emergency services staff, to ensure Queensland’s committed frontline officers, staff and volunteers are best positioned to respond in emergency and disaster situations and keep Queenslanders safe.
As part of the event, an award ceremony was also held to recognise stalwart SES volunteers and FRS personnel.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan:
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to backing initiatives which enhance community safety, which is why we understand the importance of co-locating emergency services personnel in modern, state-of-the-art facilities,” Minister Ryan said.
“It ensures our emergency services personnel, assets and resources are always ready to support the greater Gladstone community, and it will support the long-term development of emergency services in regional communities and improve interoperability.
“With increasing challenges from climate change and the effects it has on communities, along with a growing regional population, it’s essential the SES has the capabilities and resources to keep the community safe.
“The people of the FRS, RFS and SES are exceptional citizens and it is honour to also be able to recognise them at today’s awards ceremony. The people of Gladstone are certainly in safe hands.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher MP:
“It’s fantastic that the SES now have a base in Gladstone, and it’s exciting that FRS, and RFS will be co-located with them.
“I know this office will make the community feel safer, knowing that their emergency services have a permanent home.
“I’d also like to congratulate the SES volunteers, and FRS personnel who received awards.
“These volunteers and FRS workers are real heroes in our community, and communities around the state.”
Quotes attributable to QFES Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing:
“It’s a privilege to recognise the exemplary service of those who go above and beyond their usual duties to support regional Queensland communities,” Deputy Commissioner Wassing said.
“The number of recipients and the many years they have served in their local areas is a testament to their community spirit and their willingness to put their hand up when support is needed.
“I am proud to say that each of the recipients have represented the FRS and the SES with respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust.
“We thank you for answering the call to help others and your valuable contributions to your community’s safety and wellbeing.”
Explainer:
Under the Disaster and Emergency Services Reform Project, the SES will become a separate agency with its own dedicated budget and Chief Officer and be hosted by the QPS ensuring better alignment of service delivery and more focused services.
