Visit to Noosa Heads Fire Station

It is a great honour to join you all today at the Noosa Heads Fire Station, here in the foothills of the Noosa National Park, which was officially opened by Queensland’s 16^th Governor, Sir John Lavarack, in October 1949.

As sure as night follows day, the threat of bushfire – and contemporaneously, heavy rain followed by flood – is a constant of life in this beautiful part of Queensland.

I understand the firefighter crews have had to defend their own station from bushfires on at least two occasions – 1987 and 1996.

We are fortunate your headquarters was not under direct threat in the closing months of last year.

My purpose for being here today is two-fold.

The primary reason is to thank you all, on behalf of the Queensland people, for your sterling efforts protecting life and property during last year’s bushfires – not once, but twice in this region alone.

And many of you, I know, went on to fight fires in New South Wales and Victoria. You are amazing people, wonderful exemplars of humanity. 

We extend our gratitude to everyone, especially the SES, who provided assistance over the past week, too, following heavy rain. 

There has this Summer, right across our State and nation, been universal and richly deserved pride in and support for all firefighters – especially the volunteer rural services – and for the SES.

There is a reason firefighters and other emergency services constantly rank near the top of lists of Australia’s ‘most trusted’ professions.

Queenslanders, and your Governor, are very grateful indeed for your efforts.

The second reason for our visit is to demonstrate support for the communities of which you are an integral part: Noosa, Tewantin, Sunshine Beach, Pomona, Cooroy, further afield to Imbil – these are all wonderful communities which delineate our State spirit.

Thank you for taking the time to be here today. Kaye and I look forward to speaking with you this morning. Thank you.