Rural brigades fired up about uncertainty
RURAL firies have expressed frustration that they still don't have a commitment of funding from the State Government.
The Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland reached out to Premier Campbell Newman earlier this year and asked for part of the proposed emergency management, fire and rescue levy to be dedicated to the 1400 rural fire brigades across the state.
RFBAQ president Mike Garrahy said Mr Newman had replied to the letter but simply offered to forward the request to Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey.
Mr Garrahy said the delay was already having serious consequences across the state.
"The confusion and lack of direction from government is already having a direct impact on brigade funding, with Gold Coast City Council no longer collecting the Rural Fire Levy as at 1st January, 2014, which will leave the volunteer firefighters in the 16 local brigades without any ongoing funding," Mr Garrahy said.
"As an episode of Yes Minister this would be considered humorous, as no one would expect this form of endless and cyclical red tape to exist in Queensland in this day and age.
"With fire season now well under way, and volunteer firefighters actively protecting communities across the state, the matter of assured and ongoing funding and the need for direction and leadership from government is crucial, as brigades will be eating into their brigade bank accounts to fund operations."
