More water in the tank for Granite Belt

Additional water tanks are now located at Applethorpe Rural Fire Station and ready to be used for this fire season.

Two 22,500 litre water storage tanks have now been installed at the Applethorpe Rural Fire Station with connections for filling of fire trucks and aerial fire fighting aircraft. These additional tanks will store sufficient water for 16 aircraft refills.

“This commitment to the Granite Belt is critical for the safety of both residents and fire fighters. The events of 2019 are still very much at the forefront of our minds” said Joel Richters.

“We all need to listen to the expert volunteers on the ground and we can do more. In June last year I met with Applethorpe Rural Fire Brigade members who expressed their concerns about the need to upgrade facilities at the station. I’m very pleased to have been able to advocate for them to make this infrastructure improvement a reality”.

This work adds to the many commitments that the Palaszczuk Government has already delivered for the fire fighters here on the Downs. Since 2018, more than $1.7 million of additional equipment and facilities have been provided to boost firefighting resources in our region.

Applethorpe Rural Fire Brigade First Officer Roni Bau said we are very grateful to the Queensland Government for their continued support of the Rural Fire Service and the Granite Belt community.

“These additional tanks will be used by the water bombers to assist in fighting bushfires from the air.”

The Rural Fire Service provides a critical service to our region with 67 brigades in the Southern Downs. You can become a volunteer by finding your local brigade and contacting them for more information https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering/volunteering/rural-fire-service/eoi.