Take a peek inside Ipswich’s newest fire station

It is said good things come to those who wait and that is certainly the case for Ipswich firefighters, who have moved into a new station at Bundamba.

The $3.64m station, which is the biggest in Ipswich, took about two years to build after the first contractor awarded the job went broke partway through construction.

Ipswich Area Commander, Inspector Aerron Patterson said the new station on Brisbane Road was a significant boost to the brigade’s capacity in the region.

It has three truck bays and in coming weeks will be home to a heavy rescue response unit previously kept at Ripley station.

“It’s a specialist vehicle which we can use at accidents and emergencies involving things like B-doubles and even trains,” he said.

“It makes sense to run that vehicle out of here because the location of the station allows for quicker coordination and easier access to the highways.”

Inspector Patterson said the eventual plan was to have an incident command truck at the station alongside the standard fire truck and heavy rescue unit.

He said the incident command unit would be of particular use during disasters, such as floods, but would also be used at major traffic accidents, large bushfires and large factory fires.

The new station is essentially a home away from home for the firefighters and has an outdoor barbecue area, lunchroom, gym, training room and lounge area.

“The crew basically lives at the station so it’s important to have these facilities to help foster a team environment and keep morale high,” he said.

Station caters for growth

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the new station ensured frontline fire and rescue services in Ipswich kept pace with community needs.

“While the former Bundamba Fire and Rescue Station served the community well for more than 30 years, the new facility has been specifically designed to anticipate, and cater for future growth,” Mr Crawford said.

“This new $3.64m station features enhanced facilities including an additional engine bay, ample storage for equipment and supplies, a training room plus improved staff work areas and amenities.

“It is absolutely critical our firefighters are well-equipped to deliver a high standard of service our communities can rely on.

“I am confident this station will provide our crews with the contemporary facilities they need to serve the people of Ipswich well into the future.”

There are five stations in Ipswich – Bundamba, Camira, Karana Downs, Ripley and Brassall.