New fire station opened at Sunshine Coast

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the newest Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station at Sunshine Coast Airport on May 21.

“This station will provide aviation fire fighters with a state-of-the-art facility to allow them to do their job efficiently and effectively. It will also allow them to keep their skills current and their equipment ready to respond at a moments’ notice,” said Airservices Australia CEO Greg Russell.

The new $5 million facility incorporates two vehicle bays to house high-performance fire tenders, a maintenance bay and an observation tower housing a Fire Control Centre. Staff facilities include a training room, gymnasium, kitchen and stand-down area. The station will operate between 0700 and 2030hrs each day with 17 staff on duty.

Airservices says that its ARFF firefighters at the Sunshine Coast have responded to more than 60 callouts over the past 12 months. The airport has had a permanent ARFF presence since 2004.