Time ‘of the essence’ for Boondoola Rural Fire Brigade

A Central Queensland council has held a special meeting to ensure a rural fire brigade facing eviction has a home.

Bondoola Rural Fire Brigade chairman George Seifert, treasurer Alf Young and fire warden Ray Murphy express their anger after losing funding. Picture: Allan Reinikka

The Boondoola Rural Fire Brigade is set to be fast-tracked into a large new shed and location after facing imminent eviction from its current site on private land on Mulara Road.

Livingstone Regional Council held a special meeting last week to deal with approving the lease for the Queensland Fire Department on Cobraball Road, Bondoola as a matter of urgency.

Mayor Adam Belot said time was “of the essence” and council had approved the lease accordingly.

“They are on a very short rope and have been given notice they need to be out by the next month or two,” he said.

“Everything about the land (new site) was perfect for what they needed. Very centrally located, good sight lines on the road , relatively flat.

Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said time was of the essence for Bondoola Rural Fire Brigade.

He said he could see the new location evolving into a “super hub” for the brigade.

“We have given them up to 10,000 sqm, they asked for that,” he said.

“It’s bigger than most brigades (1200sqm to 3000sqm) but they’re the ones in the job of fire fighting brigade functioning, so let’s not get in their way and give them every opportunity to succeed.”

Council heard that the additional space would be beneficial for fire-fighting practice involving other brigades and also community open days.

“In time I think we can see them become a real standout (operation) on the land and location they have got,” he said.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh once visited the Bondoola Rural Fire Brigade to announce extra funding.

Cr Belot said council had done everything possible to allow the Material Change of Use process to flow as quickly as possible.

“Everything is pointing towards a really straightforward application,” he asid..

The Morning Bulletin understands State Government funding for a large new shed has already been approved

The proposed shed would provide storage and equipment readily available in the event of a fire emergency and may also include toilets and showers for volunteers and a meeting room/training area.

The area has two established fire trails that council maintains, and the parcel has been part of Livingstone Shire’s hazard reduction burn program.