rural fires bulletin 2007 · in closing i would like to recognise and congratulate volunteer mervyn...

Rural Fires Bulletin

RURAL FIRE SERVICE

GPO Box 1425, Brisbane QLD 4001. Web: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au PP: 433383/00015 Ph: 07 3247 8130

Official Newsletter of the Rural Fire Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

July

200

7

Issue 46


Whats New ..........................Page 3

Feature: Fit for Fires ..............Page 4

News Update .......................Page 12

Rural Research

and Training .........................Page 15

Our Volunteers

Our Brigades .......................Page 18

Regional Update ..................Page 22

Extras ..................................Page 25

Contact Details ....................Page 32

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Contents Assistant Commissioner’s MessageThe sixth of June marked the one year anniversary of the launch of the Rural Operations Enhancement Package and, as such, it is timely that we reflect on what this package has provided us as an organisation. Firstly and most importantly the enhancement package was designed to provide Rural Operations with increased staff numbers (23 x fulltime employees) to better support our volunteers. Not only has this been realised but the opportunity was also taken to align our regional structure with that of QFRS Urban and the other divisions of the Department of Emergency Service which saw us grow from two to

seven regions whilst at the same time introducing two new areas (Caloundra and Townsville) and thereby improving our service capacity to the brigades within these growth locations. Supporting these structural changes has seen a comprehensive training program designed for our 11 x Brigade Training and Support Officers providing them with the grounding they need to perform their role. Naturally with any structural enhancements there is still some tweaking to perform but in essence we have completed the hard yards and now we are bedding the new structure and getting on with business.

This leads me onto some other major initiatives that we have embarked upon with the first being the expansion of the State Interdepartmental Committee for Bushfire Management. This committee was first formed in 1995 and at a State level however with the advent of the new structure and regional alignment it has provided us with the opportunity to expand the IDC concept into the seven regions. Each committee is chaired by the respective Regional Manager Rural Operations and consists of membership similar to that of the State IDC, eg, QR, Parks, Forestry, Main Roads, EPA, etc. The charter of these RIDC’s is similar to the State body and that is to provide a forum for the coordination of policy and procedures relating to bushfire management in order to achieve a consistent, comprehensive and whole of government approach. Another initiative in support of bushfire management has seen the introduction or re-establishment of five technical sub-committees (operations, training, communications, environmental, information technology) providing guidance and researching aspects for the IDC. Overall these committees assist in providing an across agency perspective on bushfire management.

We are in the final stages of completing the new recruitment kit, which should be available to Brigades early in the new financial year. This kit was produced in response to an ongoing need for recruitment within Brigades across many areas of the State. The kit is designed to provide Brigades with the information and resources they require to run a recruitment campaign tailored to their specific needs and resources.

In closing I would like to recognise and congratulate volunteer Mervyn Gibson on being the recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recently announced on the Queens Birthday honours list. Mervyn is the First Officer of the Veteran Rural Fire Brigade.

Until next time, be safe and take care.

Regards

Steve Rothwell AFSM Assistant Commissioner Rural Operations Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

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Message

July 2007 Page �

What’s New

Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go EarlyWill you stay and defend or go early? This is a question residents of Queensland can now answer for themselves with the new Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) initiative ‘Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early’.

The QFRS worked in cooperation with Queensland Police, to develop and ensure cohesive delivery of this initiative across the State.

“The Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early initiative now offers residents the option of staying and defending a well prepared property.” Assistant Commissioner Steve Rothwell said.

“With more and more Queenslanders living in and near bushland, it is essential they have a plan in place in case they are ever at risk. ‘Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early’ is designed to help them make the right decision, depending on their home, environment and personal circumstances.

“According to research by QFRS and experience in other states, well-prepared properties are also more likely to survive in the event that firefighters are unavailable to protect them. This Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early program is similar to that adopted successfully in other states around Australia.”

“One of the most important messages of this initiative is that people need to prepare their property, whether they are planning to stay or go, and that when making this decision, they need to assess their resources, preventative actions and capabilities before making a decision”. Assistant Commissioner Rothwell said.

Research has shown that appropriately prepared and constructed buildings offer protection to people during bushfires, reducing the likelihood of bushfire-related injury and fatality.

“Most buildings lost in bushfires ignite from small fires caused by sparks and embers, and these ignitions can occur immediately before, during, or up to several hours after, the passage of the main fire.” Assistant Commissioner Rothwell said.

“By remaining with their property to extinguish small initial ignitions, people who are prepared, and who are equipped with appropriate skills and basic resources, can save a building that could otherwise be lost in a fire.

“Alternatively, if residents are planning to go, they should be prepared to go early. They should decide where they will go, how they will get there, and what trigger they will use to initiate their plan.

“Evacuation at the last minute ahead of a bushfire is dangerous. Smoke, noise, heat, flames, firefighting vehicles and panic all make fleeing in a vehicle or on foot dangerous. The risk of being overrun by fire is very real and has resulted in numerous fatalities.”

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As of 1 July 2007 smoke alarms became a legal requirement in all homes, however a recent householder survey showed the number of installed, working smoke alarms in rural households is below the State average.

Rural Operations Assistant Commissioner Steve Rothwell said Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is calling on all volunteers to help educate their communities regarding the new legislation and the importance of smoke alarms.

“It is essential our rural communities understand the importance of smoke alarms. Not only that it a legal requirement to have them installed, but that they have the potential to saves lives and reduce damage to personal properties.” Assistant Commissioner Rothwell said.

“Given the results of the recent householder survey, it is a priority for QFRS Rural Operations to communicate the smoke alarm message to the communities serviced by our Rural Brigades, and potentially save lives.”

A range of communication resources have been developed to help distribute the message to communities, these are:

Legislation Fact Sheet (DL brochure) Wake up to Smoke Alarms – It’s the Law

Smoke Alarm Laws – Scratch and Sniff Card.

The current ‘Working Smoke Alarms Can Save Lives’ brochure is also being updated.

Any brigades interested in accessing these resources should contact their Area Office.

An information line regarding the new legislation has been established and can be reached on 1300 369 003.

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Wake Up To Smoke Alarms –

It’s the LawSmoke Alarm Legislation became effective

as of 1 July 2007. It is now a legal requirement to have smoke alarms

installed in all homes.

We need your help to ensure the safety of our rural communities


What’s New

Fit for firesVolunteer firefighters play a major role in the suppression of bushfires across Australia. Despite this heavy reliance on volunteer firefighters in Australia, there has been limited research into the physical demands that they experience during bushfire suppression. Similarly, the health and physical fitness of these volunteers has received little research attention.

Such information can be particularly valuable in estimating the relative strain on operational personnel. To date, research has focused mainly on the health and fitness levels of paid structural (US), naval (UK), and forestry (US & AUS) firefighters, and their physiological responses during fire suppression. The physical demands faced by Australian volunteers during bushfire suppression, as dictated by the type of work they do on the fire ground, and their health and fitness levels, have not been thoroughly investigated.

For this reason, researchers from the University of Melbourne, supported by the Victorian Country Fire Authority through

❚ the Bushfire Co-Operative Research Centre, are conducting experiments to evaluate the physical demands of bushfire suppression, and the health and fitness of volunteer firefighters.

To investigate the physical demands of bushfire suppression, the research is measuring volunteers’ heart rate, limb movement, and oxygen consumption during standard fireground activities, including unreeling and reeling fire hoses and advancing charged hoses. To measure the health and fitness of volunteer firefighters the research is also measuring important health indicators including resting blood pressure, blood cholesterol and glucose levels, and body fat levels, and cardiovascular fitness.

Measuring health and fitnessFrom US mortality statistics we know that the physical exertion associated with bushfire suppression can be fatal for some volunteers. Indeed, physical exertion was the primary contributor in 42% of volunteer wildfire fire fighter deaths in the US during the 1990s. Two major determinants in the risk

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Volunteer firefighters are being tested at the University of Melbourne.❚

How fit are our volunteer firefighters and how fit do they need to be to fight bushfires? Bushfire CRC research is looking at the health and safety aspects of fire fighting.

July 2007 Page �

of physical over-exertion are the physical health and fitness of the individual and the demands of the work or exercise being performed. For this reason our research team is characterising the general health and cardiovascular fitness of a group of Country Fire Authority volunteers aged 18 to 60.

We are measuring the physical demands faced by volunteers doing bushfire fighting. We hope that this data will provide an insight into the level of fitness required of bushfire fighters. As a follow up we aim to use the above data to devise a physical fitness challenge that accurately predicts whole-body fitness for firefighters. The plan is that this test be readily and easily administered at fire stations. As such, the physical readiness of volunteer firefighters can be conveniently and accurately assessed before deployment. Finally, we are also interested in trialing a range of strategies that we hope will counter (at least in part) the physical stresses experienced by bush firefighters, enabling them to sustain their efforts for longer periods on the fireground. These interventions are likely to focus on eating and drinking strategies before, during and after work shifts.

Feeling the heatPrevious research has shown that under normal conditions (8-29°C, low humidity) rises in core temperature, heart rate and energy expenditure are driven exclusively by the intensity of the

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exercise. That is, the harder you work the more physiological stress you are under. Fire fighting places additional physiological stress on the individual, namely heat, protective clothing, and smoke.

Bushfires occur during hot dry weather that, when coupled with the heat of the fire itself, places a considerable amount of thermal stress on the body. This thermal stress increases core temperature, heart rate, and energy expenditure independent of the work rate. To offset this heat load the body will sweat in an attempt to cool down through evaporation off the skin. If the fluid lost as sweat is not replaced (that is, dehydration takes place), physiological stress is exaggerated. For instance, with less bodily fluid there can be a decrease in blood volume, so the heart must beat faster to deliver the same amount of blood.

Recent research also suggests that with less blood volume, there is less blood that can be sent to the skin surface to increase cooling, through sweat and evaporation. As such, the body’s core temperature continues to rise. With rising core temperature, individuals have been shown to experience muscle weakness and a loss of balance. There appears to be a critical core temperature which, if crossed, there is a decreased motivation to continue working even if the individual has sufficient energy. It is possible that this loss of motivation is the brain’s way of stopping the heat stress inducing activity before there is serious damage done to the body. In other words, it may be a protective mechanism.

Each of the physiological consequences of working in the heat are increased by the protective clothing often worn by firefighters to protect them from radiant heat from the fire and burning debris. Existing research suggests the protective clothing may also limit the heat loss from the body, making it more difficult for the fire fighter to cool down. One way that protective clothing may limit cooling is by reducing the amount of skin exposed to the air. Evaporation, the principal method of heat loss in hot working conditions relies on sweat being evaporated off the skin to cool the body. If the skin is covered by protective clothing, less evaporation and therefore less cooling will occur.

Finally, in a smoke filled environment such as under some bushfire conditions, exposure to carbon monoxide and other smoke compounds may also compromise fire fighter work output. For instance, previous research has shown that exposure to carbon monoxide may lead to dizziness, nausea and impaired judgement, whilst other smoke compounds may reduce lung function, reducing the value of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

Drink upAs can be seen, fluid loss and the resulting dehydration accelerates rises in core temperature, heart rate and energy expenditure. For this reason fluid replacement on the fireground is a critical strategy for fire fighters.

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What’s New

Continued on page 6❚


What’s New

FireCare - now supporting our volunteers

What is FireCare? FireCare is the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) staff counselling and support program. Its goal is to promote staff well-being by helping individual staff members deal with either work-related or personal problems.

Most people experience a range of emotional upsets, interpersonal conflicts and organisational pressures in their lives. QFRS staff and volunteers are no exception. When problems occur, not only does our personal life suffer, but our performance in the workplace is often adversely affected.

FireCare offers a confidential support service designed specifically for the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. It provides:

Peer Support Program – a team of specially selected and trained co-workers (Peer Support Officers or PSO’s) to help staff and volunteers cope with personal or work-related difficulties. This is a voluntary role and PSO’s are located throughout Queensland.

Confidential professional counselling – an independent service available to all staff and volunteers at every level. The list of approved counsellors is readily available and people may either refer themselves or be referred by someone else.

24-hour Telephone Crisis Counselling – Freecall 1800 805 980

Critical Incident Stress Management – an opportunity to discuss the effects of an event of heightened emotional impact.

Training – information and seminars on issues such as stress management, effective communication skills and critical incident stress management.

Consultation to management on staff well-being.

What will FireCare offer the Rural Fire Service? As part of the Rural Operations Enhancement Package for the Rural Fire Service, FireCare services are being steadily extended to Rural Fire Service volunteers.

What this means for our volunteers is that:

All volunteers in Rural Fire Services will be able to access up to four free counselling sessions each year. The entitlement for the volunteer and their immediate family is for issues directly related to the volunteer’s work with the Rural Fire Service.

The Peer Support Program will expand to include the training of Rural Fire Service volunteers as Peer Support Officers.

What is Peer Support? Peer Support is an integral part of the FireCare Services. Peer

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The research into hydration during exercise in the heat advocates using a carbohydrate and electrolyte (that is, salt) beverage for optimal rehydration. The carbohydrate provides energy which is critical for sustaining work rate over long working hours undertaken by bushfire fighters. Further, during work in hot conditions the body burns carbohydrates more quickly, reducing the sustainable energy supply. Provided the carbohydrate content is less than 10 per cent, such as in a number of commercially available products, the fluid passes through the digestive system and reaches the muscles as fast as water. The inclusion of electrolytes, particularly sodium, helps maintain the “drive” to continue drinking, helps minimize urinary fluid losses post-shift, and therefore maintains body fluid volumes, more effectively than water.

The limited research into fluid loss during fire fighting in bushland areas suggests that fire fighters do not adequately replace their fluid loss even when under instruction to drink frequently. Whether this is a function of the type of drink prescribed or the culture of the fire fighter is unclear.

Research for all fire agenciesIt is hoped that through this research, the CFA will gain a greater insight into the physical demands experienced by their volunteers during bushfire suppression. Through the Australasian activities of the Bushfire CRC this information will be valuable to other fire agencies in Australia and New Zealand. It also is anticipated that the information collected will assist in the identification and development of strategies (including diet and hydration) to assist volunteer firefighters to work safely and effectively on the fire ground.

Brad Aisbett is from the Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, and is part of the Bushfire CRC project: Firefighter Health and Safety.

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Fast FactsBursting

A bout of fast rake hoeing along a fireline expends as much energy as running at 12km/h or an intense game of squash.

Switching Increases in heart rate and blood flow that accompany intense fire ground work can also:

narrow one’s attention, which may impact upon decision making

make it difficult to produce fine movements where hands or other limbs need to be steady.

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Continued from page 5❚

July 2007

Support Officers are carefully selected on the basis of trust, integrity and a genuine interest in the health and well-being of fellow workers.

What do Peer Support Officers do?Peer Support Officers provide:

One-on-one support, defusings and debriefings after a critical incident.

Understanding and acceptance of feelings and experiences

Referral to professional counselling if required.

What is involved in becoming a Peer Support Officer?Involvement with the Peer Support Program is voluntary. FireCare conducts a selection and recruitment process for people interested in becoming PSO’s and initial training at Certificate IV level is provided. Regular supervision and ongoing education is a mandatory requirement of continuing in the role.

The Certificate IV in Peer Support has been developed by FireCare and is the first accredited peer support training program in Australia. It is a 3 phase program encompassing a total of 240 hours. It involves independent study, face-to-face delivery and workplace practice. It is conducted by members of the FireCare Team and the face-to-face component is a 5 day residential program held once or twice annually, usually in or around Brisbane. RFS volunteers attending this program would have all travelling and living expenses covered for this period.

PSO’s also attend ongoing training and supervision within their region. A minimum of 2-4 days training is held annually and PSO’s also attend monthly group meetings with their supervision counsellor. This supervision can occur by telephone for PSO’s in remote locations.

For more information on FireCare and the services they offer,

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A ‘mock’ Critical Incident Stress Management training session ❚

contact FireCare on Tel. (07) 3006 4584, by Email [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/firecare/home.htm

What’s New

Peer Support Officers WantedThe Peer Support Officer program for volunteers will be piloted in the Toowoomba, Charters Towers and Rockhampton Areas.

FireCare is calling for any volunteers from these three areas, interested in becoming a Peer Support Officer, to nominate now.

The selection process is rigorous and only a few will be selected for the first PSO training course, to be held at Marcoola North Coast, in early December 2007.

We are seeking people who:

Care about the well being of their fellow workers.

Are mature and well balanced in their own lives.

Have good listening and communication skills.

Understand the nature of fire-fighting work – though not necessarily as fire-fighters.

Are prepared to undertake the ongoing training and supervision provided by FireCare.

Have the support of both their workplace and their family in taking on the role.

You can request an application kit and further information from FireCare by contacting (07) 3006 4584 or [email protected]

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Rural Fires BulletinPage �

What’s New

Mega-fires – a way forwardThe world of bushfires is changing and the way we

manage our fire-prone land must keep pace with the

challenges we now face. Challenges that have been

bought on by climate change, drought, increasing fuel

loads and growth of communities on the rural fringe.

Increasingly, bushfires across Australia destroy

everything in their paths, consuming larger areas,

fuelled by hotter summers and drier conditions.

The issue of these ‘mega-fires’ has become a talking

point, and recently Mr Jerry Williams, Senior Advisor to

the Brookings Institute and Former National Director

of Fire Management and Aviation, US Department of

Agriculture (USDA), visited Australia and took the time

to discuss his research on mega-fires with Queensland

Fire and Rescue Service, Departmental and Land

Management representatives.

“The issue of ‘mega-fires’ is becoming more apparent

throughout America and increasingly, Australia”

Assistant Commissioner Steve Rothwell said.

“They are the largest of bushfires and research has

shown they are extraordinary wildfires in terms of their

size, complexity and resistance to control. And while

they account for only 1% of fires, they are the most

costly, most damaging and most destructive.

“They are an issue government and fire agencies

across Australia are planning for. Having Mr Williams

here to discuss the research been undertaken by

the USDA Forest Service, and previous experiences

with mega-fires in America, will help us define these

wildfires and takes steps towards a way forward.”

The USDA Research undertaken by Mr Williams is

showing Mega-fires are a situation as much as they are

an incident. Emotions run high when they occur and

they are not defined in absolute terms using physical

measures. Instead these are the ‘headline’ wildfires,

where operational limitations, public anxieties, media

scrutiny and political pressures collide.

❚Primary Producer BrigadesIn many areas of the State the traditional Rural Fire Brigades still exist primarily to assist landowners to protect their own property from fire. Within these communities there is strong community interaction and landowners see it as their responsibility to provide fire protection on their own properties mainly utilising privately owned equipment. They are interested in belonging to Rural Fire Brigades, primarily to be able to access insurance coverage, protection from liability and for the capacity to buy fire fighting equipment at subsidised prices. This is in contrast to the more populated areas of Queensland where increasing community and volunteer expectations are leading to a growing expectation for volunteers to be trained to a certain level, to be able to respond within a particular time frame to an incident, and to generally act in a more structured and professional way.

In recent years, QFRS Rural Operations’ service delivery, policy and expectations have tended to treat all Rural Fire Brigades the same. Feedback received was that this was leading to unnecessary burdens being placed on traditional brigades and at the same time limiting the capacity of the organisation to improve structures and support for brigades in the more populated areas of the State. QFRS Rural Operations made a determination that a review of the service delivery and support provided to the remaining traditional rural fire brigades be undertaken, to ensure it was targeted and appropriate.

To ensure stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide input into solutions for the ongoing recognition and support of traditional brigades, workshops were conducted in Emerald and Roma in February 2007 and a forum was organised in Charters Towers in March. Workshop attendees were predominantly volunteer representatives/landholders but also included representation from Rural Operations’ staff and management, Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland (RFBAQ), local government and industry groups such as AgForce.

Feedback from the workshops and forums will be incorporated into a new model specifically developed to ensure improved support for, and the ongoing viability of, brigades consisting of landholders, mainly utilising private equipment to protect their own property from fire.

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July 2007 Page �

Zero Harm for our staff and volunteersThe Department of Emergency Services has recently committed to the implementation of a new Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S) strategy with an underpinning mission of ‘Zero Harm – all injuries are preventable’. This strategy provides a framework for the Department to significantly reduce the number of injuries sustained both by staff and volunteers.

With an estimated 20% of DES staff and volunteers suffering from a work-related injury at any given time, the strategy, according to Director-General Fiona McKersie, is “one of the most significant commitments to attitudinal and behavioural change the Department has ever undertaken”.

The strategy establishes four key objectives: to eliminate workplace hazards and injuries, to build WH&S leadership and workforce capability, to drive a Zero Harm safety culture and to ensure effective WH&S governance.

Director-General Fiona McKersie said the new WH&S strategy is not just a once-off initiative, but a transformational journey that affects every single person in this organisation. The strategy focuses on meeting both our moral and statutory obligations for ensuring WH&S for all staff and volunteers.

Rural Operations has a high level of commitment to ensuring the health and safety of both its paid staff and its volunteer workforce and as part of this commitment to the safety of its volunteers, Rural Operations conducted an independent review to identify areas which need to be addressed.

The main activity of this review was to undertake independent assessments of representative Rural Fire Service sites. The review was conducted using a QFRS developed tool, that covered major areas such as legislative compliance, accountability, risk management, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, storage of fuel and hazard identification.

Representative Brigades were visited over a period of four weeks in February and March 2007, during which time the following was undertaken:

Interviews and discussions with Regional and Area Management.

Interviews and discussions with relevant Rural Operations personnel.

On – site inspections of selected Rural Fire Stations.

Interviews and discussions with volunteer fire fighters from selected Rural Fire Brigades to understand current views/perception about safety at the workplace and processes currently undertaken.

Review of relevant documentation/records held on site at regional offices, area offices and Rural Fire Stations.

The focus now, for QFRS Rural Operations, will be to develop strategies to implement the findings of the review in accordance with the Organisational Health and Safety procedures and the vision for Zero Harm.

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The USDA Forest Service Mega-fire Study aims to

identify ways towards a more effective management

model to better align wildland fire management

strategies, tactics and public policies, to the unique

demands, risks and dangers of mega-fires.

“The mega-fire presents managers with a difficult

paradox in terms of risk management, response

and public expectations and will certainly be an

on-going topic at both the State and Regional

‘Interdepartmental Committee for Bushfire

Management’. This committee is chaired by myself

at a State level, and by the Rural Operations Regional

Managers at a local level, and provides the members

of the committee the opportunity to work together

across a range of bushfire management issues.”

Assistant Commissioner Rothwell said.

“The USDA research is showing us that planning for

mega-fires will involve re-thinking the current doctrine

that attempts to match a growing wildfire threat

with increasing suppression force, to the mega-fire

doctrine that focuses on the causal factors that might

predispose the mega-fire and deal with contributory

factors that influence the decision space once a mega-

fire occurs.

“Some preliminary findings have already resulted

from the Mega-fire Study. These will provide the first

steps towards an integrated approach to assist in both

mitigating these fires and fighting them when they

occur. Our priority, as always, will be to ensure the

protection of life and property.”

What’s New


What’s New

Exercise Capricornia 07Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Rural Operation’s Central

Region recently had the opportunity to hold a major exercise at

the Yeppoon Showgrounds involving over 120 volunteers and

their families.

Exercise Capricornia 07 had nominations from 22 Brigades

across Central Region, with teams from as far away as Sarina

and the Gemfields and Agnes Water.

In accordance with Murphy’s Law a number of teams and staff

were unable to attend due to a 2,500 ha fire near Wartburg

which required their attendance, including the Area Director

and ATSO, who were tasked to the IMT at Wartburg, leaving

the Exercise in the capable hands of the Keppel Group, the

Brigade Training and Support Officer Naomi Scott and Area

Administration Officer Cathy Robson.

Exercise Capricornia 07 was conducted in accordance with AIIMS

principles and procedures, with an IMT managing the exercise.

❚The exercise engaged 15 teams in a series of operational tasks

and exercises to test their operational firefighting skills and

teamwork.

Brigades competing were Cawarral “Rum Busters”, Woodbury,

Belmont, Westowe, Bondoola 1, Bondoola 2, Cawarral Young

Guns, Gracemere 2, Calliope, Sarina, Gracemere 1, Cawarral

Vixens, Maryvale, Mt .Maurice, Tanby.

The outstanding teams on the day were from Cawarral,

Woodbury and Belmont Rural Fire Brigades. Jeff Lane, Regional

Training Officer, Central Region, won “Best and Fairest” for his

outstanding efforts as a judge in all events and his admirable

dedication to duty in the face of a 38mm lay flat hose operated

by the Cawarral Vixens.

The concept of an exercise to test and to develop operational

skills, and next year concept will be expanded to include a

range of other operational skills and safety procedures.

July 2007

What’s New

The abundance of new members and a predominantly

younger age group amongst the participants added a great

deal of enthusiasm to the event.

The general feeling amongst participants and officials was

one of wholehearted support for more of these exercises as

they bring brigades and staff to a greater level of familiarity

and confidence in each others skills and ability.

John Fisher

RMRO

Central Region


News Update

Communications UpdateOne of the most significant influences to the enhancement of our radio communications infrastructure in Rural Operations has been the injection of funding provided by the Minister from election commitment funding.

Rural Operations has been allocated with $540 k each year for next 5 years for radio repeater installations and the provision of radios to Rural Fire Brigades.

The scope of the project is to investigate 4 key areas. These will be:

1. The provision of fire ground VHF repeaters

2. The provision of UHF repeater links to Firecoms

3. The distribution of radios for the replacement of old radios and to ensure the correct quantity is made available to each appliance and brigade.

4. Develop a radio maintenance program for Rural Fire Brigade radios.

Repeaters. Over the next 5 years the plan is to install 56 repeaters strategically placed across the state. The following outlines the project plan for the first three years.

2006- 07 2007- 08

6 UHF repeaters linked 16 VHF fire grounds to Firecom repeaters 21 fire ground repeaters 4 UHF repeaters linked to firecom

2008 - 09 7 VHF fire ground repeaters 2 UHF repeaters linked to firecom

These installations complete the requirements identified by staff and volunteers that was provided in the original survey done in October 2006. The remaining two years of the project will be allocated to fixing black spots that remain after the 56 repeaters are installed.

Radio distribution

The survey conducted in October 2006 identified the following radio requirements for Rural Fire Brigades.

1000 portable VHF radios 300 portable UHF radios 150 VHF mobile radios 125 UHF mobile radios

This number of radios equates to approximately $150k and is a very achievable target to achieve over the next five years.

The radio requirements and distribution was developed by each Area identifying their needs based on the following priorities.

❚1. 2 VHF portables per appliance and 1 for the First Officer

2. Dual fit ( UHF and VHF mobiles) in all appliances in Izone areas

3. 1 UHF portable in each Izone brigade

4. The replacement of 100ch VHF mobile radios

5. The replacement of old limited channel portable radios.

The distribution of radios in the 2006-07 year also took into account the current fire risk. Therefore the majority of radios have been sent to Central, Southwest and North Coast Regions with some minor orders sent to other Regions. Due to the rainfall in the Far North there were no radios sent this year. The first orders in the new financial year will be going to Far North, North and Southeast Regions.

In total in 2006-07 we have supplied 370 VHF portable radios, 61 UHF portable radios, 26 UHF mobiles and 9 base radios at no cost to Rural Fire Brigades.

Maintenance

A fully funded radio maintenance program is now available to Rural Fire Brigades. Each Area Office has been asked to identify an Officer to manage this program. If a brigade has a faulty radio they must first contact the Area office who will identify an approved quality service provider in your area. The service provider will repair the radio and send the invoice to Technical Support Service branch in Kedron. You must go through the Area office to enable this payment method to occur.

Each Area Office has been provided with spare portables and mobile radios to be used as replacement radios to brigades while repairs are being done.

Each Area Office also has been provided with a portable radio battery re-conditioning unit and spare batteries. All batteries can now be placed on a program to ensure we get the most efficiency from our portable radios.

If you need to discuss radio communication issues and your brigade’s requirements please contact your Area Office.

Wayne Waltisbuhl Regional Manager Rural Operations Southwest Region

July 2007 Page 1�

News Update

Fuel Tax Credits – Savings for GST Registered Brigades with a Medium or heavy applianceThe Federal Government is replacing the Energy Grants

Credit Scheme (EGCS) with fuel tax credits. Fuel tax

credits will provide a credit for fuel tax that is included

in the price of fuel. This commenced on 1 July 2006, and

applies to all vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM)

of more than 4.5 tonne, travelling on a public road (diesel

vehicles acquired before 1 July 2006 can equal 4.5 tonne)

From 1 July 2006, diesel motor vehicles will need to meet

one of the following emission performance criteria:

Be manufactured on or after 1 January 1996

Be part of an accredited audited maintenance

programme.

Meet the Australian Transport Council’s in-service

emission standard

Comply with an Australian Government endorsed

maintenance schedule

The effective fuel tax for Road Transport will be the

applicable road user charge – the current credit rate is

38.143 cents per litre minus the road user charge.

For assistance, it is recommended Brigades contact the

Australian Tax Office when completing their next BAS

statement and enquire about their individual case, as it

is possible the credits could be backdated to July 2006.

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Rural Operations welcomes the new GIS ManagerRecently, Rural Operations welcomed Mark Wallace to

the team as the new Manager of the GIS unit.

Mark has been involved in GIS in both the private and

public sector, and for the past five years, worked for

Local Government in both Townsville and Caboolture.

In his previous role, Mark was responsible for all

strategic and operational aspects of GIS at Caboolture

Shire Council.

Mark has completed a double degree in Surveying and

Information Technology and worked as a surveyor for

11 years, predominately in North Queensland and Far

North Queensland.

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FireShed - Australian volunteer Rural Fire Brigade station softwareOver the last few years, Mudgeeraba Rural Fire Brigade member

Steve Davis has written software for his Brigade. After finding

out about this software, many brigades became interested in

using it, so to fill an obvious need, Steve rewrote this software

and has now made it available to all brigades.

Steve said “The software has been developed by volunteers,

with our specific needs in mind and works extremely well. It

has streamlined the way brigades run, including creating call

out sheets, activity histories, incident logs and general keeping

of members details.”

Brigades interested in learning more about FireShed or

accessing it can obtain more information by visiting www.

FireShed.com

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News Update

Changes to GST – specifically relating to Invoicing Rural Fire BrigadesIn December 2001, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provided Queensland Fire & Rescue Service (QFRS), Rural Operations with a Private Ruling regarding GST and the invoicing of Rural Fire Brigades for subsidised equipment. The ATO has subsequently audited this process and, in conjunction with Taxation experts representing the Department, reviewed the Private Ruling and have determined that as of 01 July 2007 the way we invoice Rural Fire Brigades will change (the Private Ruling is no longer in effect). Further to this, Rural Operations has completed an independent review of its invoicing systems and procedures to comply with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation requirements for tax invoices and wish to advise the following changes:

1. Invoicing will now be via a standard method of valid tax invoice to all Brigades, regardless of whether the brigade is registered or non-registered for GST.

a) Invoices will clearly detail the amount payable by the Brigade and the goods and services tax applicable on that amount.

i) Recipient Created Tax Invoices (RCTI’s) will no longer accompany the Invoice for Brigades registered for GST.

ii) Recipient Created Invoices (RCI’s) will no longer accompany the Invoice for Brigades not registered for GST.

b) If the Brigade is registered for GST they will be able to claim the input tax credits. If the Brigade is not registered for GST they will not be able to claim the input tax credits.

2. There will be no third party invoicing to individuals. This means that members who are registered for GST are no longer able to purchase the equipment on behalf of their Brigade from Rural Operations or claim the input tax credits.

3. In the case where the contractual supply of goods made by Rural Operations to either the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland (RFBAQ) or local councils on behalf of the Brigade, it must be very clear that the transaction has been initiated by the RFBAQ or the council (ie. via a Purchase Order from the RFBAQ, or a letter of approval to invoice from the Council, submitted with the original Brigade Requisition).

As previously stated these changes will take effect 1 July 2007. If you require further detail or clarification of these changes, please contact your local Area Office.

❚New Brigade Manual

on its wayA draft brigade manual was developed and distributed for

comment in 2006. All feedback has now been received and

incorporated into the document and the final version of the

new Brigade Manual has been completed and sent to the

printer.

The new Manual will be a continually changing document

that will be progressively updated as required. To ensure the

ongoing accuracy and relevance of the manual, your feedback

is both welcome and vital.

All Secretaries, First Officers and Area Offices can expect to

receive a copy of the new Manual in late July, early August.

If your brigade does not receive a copy by the end of August,

please contact your Area Office.

Please ensure you have a close look at the new manual when

it arrives, as there are a large number of changes to existing

policies and processes outlined in the new manual.

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July 2007 Page 1�

Rural Research and Training

E-learning is emerging as one of the most likely methods of enabling people to access training material in the current technological environment.

Traditionally, training material has been made available through print or by CD or DVD however, with the advances in web-based technology and with more people having the ability to access electronically stored centrally located data, material is now being produced in formats suitable for interactive, distance-based delivery.

Transferring text-based material and changing it to PDF format which is able to be accessed remotely via the web is not what e-learning is about.

Over the last one or two decades, we have been exposed to video games and high resolution interactive electronic entertainment which “involves” the person by requiring repeated decision making and input, and engages their stimuli such that they get an immediate result which can change according to their input.

At best, e-learning is about engaging people in training in a similar manner. It requires them to gain access to basic material and involves them as they progress through the material, by requiring them to provide feedback, reply to options presented, answer challenge tests where appropriate and make choices which determine variable outcomes.

The Department of Emergency Services (DES) has been aware of the emergence of this e-learning trend for several years. Queensland Ambulance (QAS) has a member of staff dedicated to progressing the e-learning environment, particularly for Ambulance personnel who need to access training material as part of their work-based learning, who are generally Ambulance Officers located in stations throughout Queensland, often in very remote areas.

Rural Operations (RO), the School of Fire and Rescue Service Training (SFRST) at Whyte Island and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) have been involved with similar trials to those of QAS but to a lesser degree. In recent months efforts have progressed to enable QFRS staff and EMQ staff to access more e-based material as part of their in-house training. The next phase is to expand the availability to RFS and SES volunteers so that the full gamat of DES personnel can benefit from the most appropriate, up-to-date cost effective training currently available.

In keeping with the trend to maximise efficiencies, DES, Rural Operations and EMQ have been collaboratively working to generate appropriate e-learning material for volunteers where units from the Public Safety Training Package are common across both fire and SES environments.

Supporting this collaborative approach, the Government have provided specific funding to enable the development of e-based material to progress. RO and EMQ have prioritised a set

of units which are planned to become progressively available from the middle of this year. The format to begin with, will be an interactive CD however a number of e-based units, currently available on On-line Campus (OLC) to full-time and part-time staff, are scheduled to become available to volunteers as security options surrounding the DES firewall are progressed.

The true winners in this move to e-based learning will be the DES volunteers, who should be able to access appropriate training materials to assist in preparing them for active service, from their home computer or a local web access facility.

This web-based format will not replace face-to-face training delivery but, if utilised appropriately, it will complement the face-to-face delivery through enabling prior learning or post-course activities to be accomplished at the volunteer’s leisure, thereby reducing the time volunteers are away from home at training events. It will also enable a more efficient use of face-to-face delivery time, especially where practical assessment is involved.

Altogether the future options for DES volunteers to access training material will expand as e-based learning emerges as a suitable method of providing distance-education based material in an interesting, informative and interactive mode.

New Director, Rural Research and Training

Rural Operations would like to welcome on board Tony Marks, who was recently appointed to the position Director, Rural Research and Training.

Tony was previously employed with FAL Lawyers, and prior to that, was a Senior manager and Director with KPMG. Tony also held the position of National Training, Research and Technical Manager with Perpetual Trustees from 1996 to 1999.

Tony holds and impressive array of qualifications such as Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Finance and Systems), a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW and Queensland and a Graduate Certificate in Fire Investigation. Tony also has a strong history with rural fire services, commencing in 1979 with the NSWRFS and in Queensland, currently holds an officers position with the Samford Rural Fire Brigade and is the Deputy Group Officer for the Pine Rivers Shire Group.

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E-learning …. A way forward for our DES Volunteers❚



On Saturday 26 May Brisbane Region RAR Training Coordinator Paul Hill, Acting iZone Officer Gary McCormack and Area Training and Support Officer Eric Lanham conducted RAR Awareness training for 17 members of the Rocksberg Rural Fire Brigade. Shown above are the urban team from 528A and 528K of Caboolture demonstrating the use of cutting tools to familiarise members of the brigade with the processes used to rescue persons trapped in vehicles at road accidents. Prior to the extrication process, the brigade was involved in a scenario which involved them being the first on scene, establishing scene security and treating casualties prior to handing over command and control to the arriving urban crews as seen below.

Statewide ATSO WorkshopIn mid May, a state-wide ATSO workshop was held at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. The workshop focused on informing ATSOs of the progress and outcomes of the BTSO program, learnings from the Operations Excellence Conferences and detail of the Commissioner’s priorities for 2007/2007. ATSOs

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from around the state were given the opportunity to workshop a number of issues and receive briefings from Rural Operations functional areas on items of interest. The workshop also provided an ideal opportunity for ATSOs to learn of new developments in the training scene and meet the newly appointed Director of Rural Research and Training, Tony Marks.

BTSO ProgramAs a result of the Rural Operations Enhancement Package 11 new Brigade Training and Support Officers (BTSO) have been appointed to various Areas across the State. The BTSOs form the largest single group engaged in Rural Operations and will facilitate increased contact between volunteers and Rural Operations staff. In March, the BTSOs commenced a 16 week training program involving a formal induction program and Command, Leadership and Management workshops aimed at getting the BTSO up to speed as soon as possible. Once their training is completed, the BTSOs will work as part of the Area team and be actively involved in training delivery and support to Rural Fire Service volunteers in their Areas.

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Caboolture Area Brigade involved in RAR Awareness Training❚

July 2007

Corey Bock and Winston Williams discussing training delivery with the BTSO during their Induction week. This session also involved a familiarisation session with the new Fire Trailer.

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Problem solving exercises on the Leadership Workshop❚

(L to R) BTSO Bernie Grech (Innisfail), Brett Weston (Cairns) and Naomi Scott (Rockhampton) working through a tactical problem on the Command Workshop.❚


The Black River Rural Fire BrigadeThere is plenty happening for the Black River Rural Fire Brigade at the moment, here is a quick update:

The Black River Rural Fire Brigade is one step closer to having a fire station. As of 7th March 2007 they received “in principal approval” to erect a fire station on council land in Jensen and received verbal approval for land on Church Rd Black River.

There next goal is to raise the $60,000 required to build the fire station

With the assistance of a Community Small Equipment grant, the Brigade just purchased an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for use on our 51 unit. The “Welch Allyn AED10” will help them provide their firefighters and the community the best possible service by ensuring improved safety and emergency response. They do hope, however, that it never has to be used.

They would also like to extend a big thank you to NRMA Insurance Community Help Grants, for their grant that assisted toward the replacement of our Light Attack Vehicle.

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Rural Fires BulletinPage 1�

Our Volunteers Our Brigades

You’re one in a Million❚

In Queensland alone, there are over 1 million volunteers who work with community organisations of all kinds either on a regular basis or as project or event volunteers.

Rural Operations of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service took the chance to say thank you to just a handful of its dedicated volunteers at Volunteering Queensland’s “You’re one in a Million” breakfast on Tuesday, 15th May at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

As part of the morning, the Minister for Communities, the Honourable Warren Pitt launched Queensland’s new Office of Volunteers, within the Department of Communities.

Assistant Commissioner Steve Rothwell, Director of Volunteering and Support Kerrie Purcell and A/Director, Rural Operations Peter Hollier, were joined by Rural Fire Service volunteers John Boyd, Sue Ward, Brian Ward, Steve Davis, Ian Swaddling, Mark Baird and Graham Smith.

Pictured are Rural Operations Staff and some of the attending volunteers❚

July 2007 Page 1�


The Bohlevale State School Fete was attended by Black River & District Rural Fire Brigade and Thuringowa Group.

❚ At the Bohlevale State School Fete The Black River & Districts Rural Fire Brigade joined with Thuringowa Group to erect a display showcasing the Rural Fire Service. Our display became the unofficial entrance from the car park so the message was certainly getting out with much interest from the local community. Many questions were asked especially “where are the red trucks” and “oh yeah, the bushfire mob right?”

Their display consisted of our two appliances, a light attack, a medium attack and of course the pride of Thuringowa Rural Fire Brigades Group, Thuringowa 14, the Emergency Support Unit, (ESU).



The static display was in partnership with all DES divisions and QPS.

The highlight of our commitment was the nightly performance in the main arena where a local music group “Popcorn” presented a musical story about emergency situations and the accompanying activity by the appropriate emergency service supported the musical.

Three Rural Brigades (Crows Nest, Gowrie Mountain and Cambooya RFB’s) each had a turn at the three nightly performances where the theme was to promote structural protection and a controlled burn-off.

The Toowoomba Area had a very successful display and main arena event at this years Toowoomba show held on 22-24/03/2007.

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July 2007


An ageing population is an issue currently being faced by much

of Australia’s workforce, and our volunteer Rural Fire Brigades

are no exception.

In an effort to reverse declining volunteer numbers and introduce

the younger generations to the advantages of volunteering, the

Ipswich Group Rural Fire Brigade recently held their first Youth

Expo.

Held at the Rosewood Showgrounds on Saturday 21 April, the

event was made possible thanks to a Youth Week grant provided

by Ipswich City Council, and included entertainment from the

Ipswich RSL Youth band and demonstrations from fire fighters in

both fire safety and from the road accident rescue team.

Ipswich Group Administration Officer Sue Ward said the brigade

felt they needed to be proactive to ensure the future of the

group and continued protection of local communities.

“The major issue we are finding is the youth of the area are

growing up and leaving town for a better education or better

paid jobs elsewhere.” Sue said

Members from Forest Pines and Scrubby Creek Rural Fire Brigades enjoy a day of fun, fellowship and training at Forest Pines RFB station on the 24th of February 2007.

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“The aim of the Youth Expo was to demonstrate to the younger

members of the community, that being a brigade member is not

only about helping others, it’s about helping themselves and

their future prospects as well.

“The youth who attended were able to access a wide variety

of information and chat to other volunteers about their

experiences. One of our aims was to explain that as a brigade

member, they receive training that can help them in all aspects

of their life. Brigade members learn teamwork, leadership

skills, communication, incident management and fire behaviour.

“We also wanted to emphasise the social aspect of brigades.

As a member of a brigade you make invaluable community

networks and life long friends. There really is so much more to

volunteering than fighting fires.”

Rural Brigades from Pine Mountain, Greenbank, Ripley,

Marburg, Mt Forbes, Mutdapilly, Lower Mt Walker and Flinders

Peak and the Rosewood Auxillary Brigade and the Ipswich

Mobile Command Centre all attended the Youth Expo and

helped to make it a fun family day for all.

A proactive approach to an age old problem❚

Pictured are some of the attending members from the day❚


Regional Update

Far Northern Region UpdateBrigades have been active in training again with many members receiving FM-1 accreditation over the past few months. A concerted effort to assist Brigades in the Torres Strait has seen improved training levels and greater awareness of fire safety in these communities, with structural training on Mer Is and participation of Rural Brigades in the joint emergency services exercise on Horn Island.

Although the wet season did not produce as much rain as expected, after a brief dry period in April good rainfall was experienced across most of the region during May. The late rain has again reduced the opportunity to implement many planned hazard reduction burns, with many projects on the coast, including a major multi agency field exercise at Kurrimine Beach involving the establishment of a 24 hour Level 2 IMT, to be pushed back into late June.

The annual aerial incendiary programme under the direction of ATSO Jamie Haskell has commenced around Lakeland and Mulgrave and will move up the Cape as the fuel conditions change following good rainfalls during May.

❚In preparation for the fire season and to enhance brigade operational and administrative practices in Innisfail District, A/AD Brendan Ridgwell, with support from local Brigades, has commenced the formal process to establish two new groups. Using IMS, Group Officers are a valuable local asset for the coordination and management of resources at major fires. The Herberton and Tableland Lakes Groups have held their initial meetings with officer appointment pending Commissioners approval.

The members of Julatten RFB, with support from BTSO Brett Weston, and local Auxiliary members participated fiercely in the recent Far Northern Championships held in Tolga. It was hoped they would win with the rural event when they selected the lane with their own appliance, however the weary limbs at the end of the weekend were forgotten when the brigade received prizes for winning the encouragement award and best banner. Thank you to the team members, support crew and Rural Operations staff, for your participation and assistance over the weekend in what is hoped will continue to be an annual joint urban rural event on the calendar.

Julatten RFB championship team members with trophy❚

July 2007 Page 2�

Regional Update

Steve Birch A/ATSO (ATSI) Cairns Peninsula with Mer Is RFB members and SO David Prain (Thursday Island).❚

Steve Birch A/ATSO (ATSI) Cairns Peninsula with Erub Is RFB members and local Police.❚


Regional Update

North Coast RegionPeter Hollier has recently returned to the North Coast after Acting in the position of Director, Rural Operations during Paul Adcock’s absence. Although Peter found this an interesting experience he is very glad to be back in North Coast Region.

Planning is underway for the 2007 Fire Season, with an awareness session held in the Regional Office for both rural and urban staff, on what to expect when the season hits and to outline the workings and expectations of the RFCC. Future training sessions are planned and a number of exercises are scheduled, covering small to large incidents, to assist staff with upskilling and preparation for “The Big One”.

It has been a busy time for the North Coast Region, with a wide range of community events, conferences and training activities taking place.

Both the North Coast and Brisbane regions hosted an Administration Conference in May with Marie Daniec and Deb Baumann from Central Office providing the staff with a wealth of information. Not only was this an informative session for regional and area administration staff, it was a great opportunity for them to meet and get to know each other on a personal level.

The Bundaberg Area recently participated in the Agro Trend event, which was well supported by staff and volunteers. The event saw many community members take advantage of the Rural Operations display, with the fire simulator providing a great opportunity for community members to witness how fuels and the lack of preparation can affect their investment.

Brigades in the Bundaberg Area have several other opportunities for community education in the approaching months, such as the Childers Multicultural Day on July 29, and the Bundaberg Air Show in August.

❚The North Coast Region’s Volunteer Conference was held the last weekend in June for brigade members from North Coast and Brisbane Regions. The conference was held at the Gympie Conference Centre and attendeeswere treated to information sessions on:

Fire Care

Operational Support

Marketing of Rural Operations

The Rural/Urban Relationship

An Overview of the regional R.F.C.C.

The Rangebands Satellite Monitoring Project

Rural Volunteering

Fire Behaviour

Training

Dealing With The Media

Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early

Communications

Incident Management Teams

Rural Fire Brigade Association of Queensland

Training will also be continuing around the North Coast Region, with courses in Media Awareness, Operations Doctrine, and FM1 being held. Training Officers in the Region are working on Training Plans for the coming 12 months

The Caloundra Area Office is looking forward to moving to new premises in Moffat Beach, Caloundra. The move is expected to

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July 2007 Page 2�

Regional Update

take place in late June – early July. In the meantime, the office has started a new initiative of taking the office to the bush. The Caloundra area staff recently held an ‘Office in the Bush’ evening at Kingaroy for Brigades and Fire wardens in that Shire. The aim of this project is to allow access to volunteers in areas where some distance separates them from the area office. This project will be continued across the area in locations deemed remote from the office.

In Brigade news, three new brigades have formed in the Maryborough Area within Murgon Shire. Cloyna District, Tablelands and Redgate Brigades are in the process of forming, and have very proactive committees and great support from the community. Membership for each of these brigades already sits at between 18 and 21.

A number of brigades in the region have received, or are due to take delivery of new vehicles. The handover of Isuzu Medium appliances to the Brooloo/Mary River Rural Fire Brigade and the Neerdie Rural Fire Brigade were held recently, with the Minister of Emergency Services, Hon Pat Purcell handing the keys over to the brigades.

Mungar/Yerra Rural Fire Brigade recently celebrated the generous donation from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund that enabled them to extend the Fire Shed, line the existing shed and add a tank. On this day they celebrated the Brigades 35th Anniversary with the cutting of a cake, they invited all present and many past members, the surrounding brigades and the Mayors of the shires the Brigade are in. Chris Foley presented to the Brigade with a plaque to put in the shed acknowledging the Community Gambling Benefit Fund for the donation.

FeedbackThanks to all staff and volunteers that provided feedback on the last edition of the Bulletin Magazine. Your contribution was greatly appreciated and we will endeavour to ensure your suggestions are incorporated into the magazine in the coming editions.

We would appreciate continued feedback on the magazine, including issues and topics you want to hear about. To provide feedback simply email [email protected]

ThanksI would like to thank all volunteers who gave up their time to participate in the photo shoot and filming for the new recruitment material. You should be seeing yourselves ‘larger than life’ in the not too distant future.

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Promotional ItemsThe new temporary tattoos and key rings are now available to all brigades that would like to use them for community events. To order simply contact your Area Office.

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Regional Update

Northern RegionAfter the recent dry period brigades are experiencing several small fires and are actively involved in working with landholders for hazard reduction burning. Late rain in May has seen conditions moderate on the coast however high grass fuel loads are prevalent in the western areas and this may cause some concern this fire season.

The region has experienced two resignations with Regional Manager Rural Operations Superintendent Trevor Howard resigning in April to take up a position with the Cape York Development Association, and Mr Jason O’Brien ATSO Charters Towers finishing duty in May. Trevor has extensive experience in the use of fire for land management practices and will be working with brigades and pastoralists in northern, central, western and part of southern Queensland to capture knowledge through historical mapping on the economic and environmental impact to grazing or crops through fire and fire fighting. The vacant position is advertised and we wish Trevor all the best in his new venture and look forward to working with him in his new position servicing western communities.

The ATSO Charters Towers position now relocated to the Townsville Area has been temporarily filled by Rosemary Kavanagh. In her short time Rosemary has done an excellent job in the position, raising the levels of training in the Area, and while she was unwilling to take up the position full time we wish her well in her temporary retirement and look forward to her participation as one of the valued casual trainers. Michael Dodds was successful in the appointment for the ATSO position and will commence duty on 12 June 2007.

❚As a fundraising opportunity, seven volunteer rural fire brigades from the Thuringowa group provided over 30 people to organise prepare and serve hundreds of dinners, lunches and snacks to competitors, officials and visitors for the State RARC on 27th and 28th April. Volunteers, led by Kylie Poulson did an excellent job providing food, and some entertainment, to competitors and visitors to the challenge.

In conjunction with Air Services Australia, ATSO Cloncurry Shane Brumby has been visiting local remote communities in the Gulf providing airport firefighting training as part of the Director General’s Indigenous Community Safety Enhancement package. It is hoped that the skills learnt will increase awareness of aviation safety of our brigade members and other services using the numerous airstrips across the Gulf.

Using skills from joint training with Ayr urban Brigade, the actions of Mt Kelly volunteers at a fire in Airville Primary School prevented the loss of thousands of dollars of computer equipment, and prevented major damage to ensure the school was able to continue to operate for students. The initial response by the rural brigade ensured the power was disconnected and using hose lines prevented the spread of fire when the building was very close to flashover.

July 2007

Regional Update

Central RegionThe 2006-07 fire season does not seem to want to finish.

Despite some good rain in parts of the region, mainly

northern and coastal, there has been little follow up rain

in the West or South. The amount of fuel available to

burn has meant some serious fires developing in mild

conditions and providing a surprise to firefighters.

A large fire at Wartburg provided a real challenge to crews

and the Area to control. The summary of three days of

firefighting was 2 500ha and one dwelling and associated

sheds destroyed. There are some lessons to be re-learnt

from these types of events including recognition of the

great distances we have to travel to support each other

in North Queensland. This makes forward planning and

anticipation of the scale of the incident critical issues in

managing fatigue and resources. Without support from

Bundaberg crews and the AD Tony Johnstone things could

have been much worse.

The Region held a major exercise in May (see separate

story) which generated a lot of good training and formed

some good bonds between RFS brigades and QFRS staff.

This event is now a fixture on the calendar for Central

region with the next Exercise Capricornia 08 planned for

Mt Larcom next Labour Day weekend.

QFRS has funded a significant investment in radio

communications network expansion in Central region

with UHF and VHF fire ground coverage now operational

in the Agnes Water and Turkey beach area as far out as

Wartburg. New repeaters are being placed near Springsure

and an upgrade to equipment at Emerald and Mt Morgan.

Further work is being undertaken to establish new sites in

traditionally bad black spots in 2008. The state wide radio

Communications Project managed by Wayne Waltisbuhl has

delivered a great boost to our radio coverage and therefore

our safety on the fire ground and has been a joint effort

between Rural Operations and the MSD.

Three teams from Central region participated in the

Auxiliary Firefighters Championships in Airlie Beach in

late May. Teams from Woodbury, Cawarral and Kutabul

performed outstandingly in the events. Despite the fact

that they had never even seen some of the events the

combined teams never came last and were in the top

three on at least two events. The camaraderie displayed

between the teams was fantastic and the official award

dinner with 150 firefighters and families demonstrated

that closer involvement in these joint events can only

bring good things.

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The Central Region Inter Departmental Committee has

now met twice and is providing a good forum to identify

issues within the region where agencies can co-operate

to resolve problematic issues and to ensure greater

integration of resources. The issues to date have been

greater use of joint incident management teams and

training and greater co-operation in conducting hazard

reduction burns in key areas. A project to combine risk

assessment methodologies to provide a consolidated

view of risk and consequence in key areas on a seasonal

basis has been commenced. Some key areas for

resolution are access to joint mapping tools and data and

a single source of radio communications frequencies and

communications plans for the fire season.

Ian Birbeck, Agnes Water RFB constructing radio communications facility on The Palms site.❚

Dwelling burnt during the Wartburg Fire❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 2�

Regional Update

Brisbane RegionCongratulations to Area Director Caboolture, Inspector Mark Welsh, who has accepted a secondment to the Training and Emergency Management section for a period of six months. I would like to welcome Station Officer Peter Varley who commenced as the Acting Area Director Caboolture on the 12th of June 2007. Peter is well known in the Caboolture Area as the iZone Officer and worked from the Caboolture Area office as part of a joint initiative to develop closer operational and training ties.

The team from the Caloundra Area Office relocated in June, from the Caboolture Area Office to a temporary location in Caloundra. Once this occurs the iZone Officer for the Brisbane Region will be located in the Caboolture Area Office, which will assist us to continue to develop close working relationships in the Region.

I would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate Janette Zingelmann, Administration Officer for the Caboolture Area Office, on her successful completion of the WAL- META LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME 2006/2007, gaining a Diploma in Government

A great activity for the Brisbane Region recently, was the Brisbane Region Firefighter Championships which were held at Finsbury Park in Newmarket on the 24th and 25th of March, where fifteen teams, seven of which were Rural Brigades, competed to represent the region at the State Championships in July.

The Championships give firefighters the opportunity to enhance their operational skills, build stronger teams, establish camaraderie with other stations and brigades around the state and pass invaluable fire safety information on to local communities. They provide the incentive and challenge for all firefighters to strive for recognition at a local, regional, state and national level.

Congratulations to all teams for a great two days, with particular congratulations going to Stuart Nivison of the Caboolture team who will now represent the Brisbane Region in the State Championships in Cairns in July. Congratulations to Russel Vickers of Wamuran Rural Fire Brigade, who was one of the runners up. The Villeneuve and Wamuran teams were also well to the fore, scoring several placing’s in the events they contested.

As part of the Rural Operations Enhancement Package, the Assistant Commissioner Rural Operations (ACRO) identified the need for a dedicated induction process and ongoing training programme to ensure all newly appointed Brigade Training and Support Officer’s (BTSO) were provided with a sound, consistent knowledge and understanding of the QFRS Rural Operations business and culture.

The Caboolture Area Training Support Officer (ATSO) Eric Lanham was seconded to Head Office where he developed the required training programme, the first component of which has been successfully delivered to the BTSO’s.

❚Area Training Support Officer Richard Lohse has continued the training programmes established by Eric and will be very active in the coming months implementing the scheduled programmes. Richard recently was involved in the exercising of the State Incident Management Team at Stanthorpe.

Other updates include the additional communications equipment, which has now been distributed to Brigades. Battery reconditioners and spare batteries will be located at Area Office to ensure an ongoing maintenance programme is implemented.

The Caboolture Area workshop was held on the 19th of May at the Caboolture RSL Club. The purpose of this workshop was to discuss and seek input from representatives of the Caboolture Brigades and Groups on how we can improve operations in the Caboolture Area. The workshop provided us with the opportunity to reassess where we are headed and to look at how we can improve our firefighting operations. The minutes and action items are being prepared for circulation

Also, the principle of ZerOHarm has been introduced across the DES and is supported by the Commissioner QFRS. The safety of all firefighters is the greatest concern of QFRS and ZeroHarm is based on the belief that “all injuries are preventable”. Information and training will be delivered to all volunteers in the future and ZerOHarm will be the basis for our actions in whatever we do.

And finally, the recent showers have been very welcome. To quote an old bush saying” Better than we expected, but not as good as we hoped”! Although the weather conditions are mild, the shortage of reticulated water and the absence of surface water make any fire a problem for brigades. Because of these underlying problems Fire Wardens and brigades should be very cautious when approving or planning any burning.

July 2007 Page 2�

Regional Update

South East RegionThe extremely dry weather in South Eastern Region has alerted

all of us to the extreme fire season which may be ahead of us.

Already there have been campaign fires which extended over

several days. Congratulations must go out to all the involved

crews for the excellent results at these fires however, we cannot

become complacent and need to continue to ensure our readiness

for the future. Area staff are currently involved in planning training

exercises, equipment readiness and ensuring that the Regions

ICC’s are functional.

New brigade appliances are now arriving and being delivered to

brigades. These new vehicles will greatly assist firefighting in the

respective brigade areas but we must ensure all brigade members

are aware of the vehicle functionalities to ensure the best

outcome when operational. Training staff are busily conducting

more crew leader courses and coordinating the casual trainers to

ensure all firefighters are prepared for the future.

❚

In this bulletin you can all read about the volunteer expo

conducted by the Ipswich Group, which was a huge success.

There was a tremendous amount of thought and work which

went into this event and I congratulate the Ipswich Group on a

wonderful day.

The recent South Eastern Region FireFighter competitions

conducted at Beaudesert included 20 QFRS teams. There was a

mix of permanent, auxiliary and rural teams, all of who exhibited

skills of an extremely high quality. Congratulations to all

participants are on the professionalism displayed over the course

of the event. Also thank you to all staff involved in the organising

and displays.

Congratulations must especially go out to the rural teams from

Birnam and Withcott, who have qualified to compete at the

State Championships, which are being held in Cairns in July this

year. Members of these teams were:

Withcott – Rod Kuhn, Greg Mees, Kerry McCullagh and Allan

Morris

Birnam – Cameron Butt, Noel Quince, Bill Purvis and Mark

Harding-Smith.

Well done to all participants.

BTSO Brian Smith has now settled into the position at Ipswich

and will eventually get to meet all the volunteers around the

region. His desire to learn the role and assist everyone has

been well received and I’m sure all will eventually meet Brian.

Finally to all South Eastern Region firefighters, with the

conditions currently upon us and the predicted fire risk if no

rain arrives, please think ZERO HARM and protect yourself and

colleagues from injury.

❚

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage �0

Regional Update

South West RegionDuring April, The Minister Pat Purcell and a contingency

of DES staff travelled through the South West Qld outback

visiting several townships including Goondiwindi, St George,

Cunnamulla, Thargomindah Quilpie and Charleville. During the

4 day visit, National Medals were presentated to volunteers and

medium attack appliances were handed over to both the South

Charleville Rural Fire Brigade and the Thargomindah Town Rural

Fire Brigade.

The Minister and the Murweh Shire Council were influential in

the acquisition of the appliance for the South Charleville Rural

Fire Brigade due to the community need and the dedication

of the brigade members. The appliance is housed at the joint

Rural Fire Brigade – SES station. The Bulloo Shire Mayor and the

Minister were also influential in the early replacement of the old

appliance for the Thargomindah Town Rural Fire Brigade. The

local Council is very supportive of the brigade and provides the

running costs and maintenance of the appliance.

Rural Operations - Toowoomba Area staff along with the

members from the Gowrie Mountain, Crows Nest and Cambooya

❚Rural Fire Brigades, ably supported by Blazer Bear contributed

to a successful 2007 Heritage Toowoomba Royal Show this year.

The Brigades featured each night in the Main Arena with a 30

minute event with practical demonstrations and displays in

partnership with all Department of Emergency Services divisions

and the Qld Police Service.

A local music group – ‘Popcorn’ presented a musical

performance incorporating emergency situations and the

appropriate emergency response was enacted by each division.

The performance was aimed at educating the community with

an entertaining approach and the Rural Fire Brigades promoted

successful structural protection and demonstrated a controlled

burn-off. At the end of each night the grand finale was a

procession of all the appliances and vehicles that received a

standing ovation while the theme of “Our local hero’s” was sung

by Popcorn.

The township of Roma recently hosted a State and Inter-State

Departmental real time exercise, aptly named Exercise “Sky

Blue”. The practical real-time exercise was held over a four day

July 2007 Page �1

Regional Update

period and was lead by the Qld Police Service. The exercise

was planned over a six month period and was aimed a regional

response to major incidents, such as plane crashes, car bombs

and remote drug labs.

Rural Operations staff at Roma, Chris Artiemiew and Col Neal,

were heavily involved in the planning and played major roles in

each scenario. Some of these roles were to liaise with the Police

in the Forward Command Centre, provide safety advice and to

suppress fire during the live fire exercises. The Orange Hill Rural

Fire Brigade was used for fire suppression during the car bomb

explosion and supported the Roma Town Auxiliary Fire Brigade in

other stand-by operations.

Many positives resulted from the four day exercise, with the

debrief revealing the constructive relationships which were built

with the local agency interaction, providing the opportunity

for increased inter-agency operational understanding during

a practical real time exercise. The chief organizers, QPS were

extremely grateful for our contribution to the exercise at all levels.

Rural Fires BulletinPage �2

Contact Details for District Offices

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the RFS Bulletin are not necessarily those of the QFRS, which does not necessarily endorse products and/or services advertised. The attention of advertisers is drawn to the Trade Practices Act, 1974, and the provisions in the Act which apply to advertising. The QFRS reserves the right to refuse any advertisement without stating a reason.

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OFFICE PHONE FAX

Northern Region

Maryborough Area Office Ph: 4190 4840 Fax: 4190 4853

Bundaberg Area Office Ph: 4153 3244 Fax: 4151 2166

Caloundra Area Office Ph: 5420 1333 Fax: 5420 1339

South West Region

Toowoomba Area Office Ph: 4616 1572 Fax: 4616 1595

Miles Area Office Ph: 4627 1658 Fax: 4627 1709

Roma Area Office Ph: 4622 2074 Fax: 4622 1451

South East Region

Ipswich Area Office Ph: 3202 1444 Fax: 3202 1449

Brisbane Region

Caboolture Area Office Ph: 5420 1333 Fax: 5420 1339

Far Northern Region

Cairns Area Office Ph: 4039 8240 Fax: 4039 8647

Innisfail Area Office Ph: 4061 0650 Fax: 4061 0651

Northern Region

Townsville Area Office Ph: 4799 7183 Fax: 4799 7184

Charters Towers Area Office Ph: 4787 8213 Fax: 4787 4708

Cloncurry Area Office Ph: 4742 2358 Fax: 4742 2359

Central Region

Mackay Area Office Ph: 4965 6645 Fax: 4965 6640

Barcaldine Area Office Ph: 4651 1190 Fax: 4651 1803

Emerald Area Office Ph: 4982 0001 Fax: 4982 0411

Rockhampton Area Office Ph: 4938 4736 Fax: 4922 2768

rural fires bulletin 2007 · in closing i would like to recognise and congratulate volunteer mervyn...

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