New $4.95m Fire Station For Sunshine Coast Airport

New $4.95m Fire Station for Sunshine Coast Airport

Sunshine Coast Airport will receive a new state-of-the-art fire station as part of a $4.95m upgrade announced by Airservices Australia.

The new Aviation, Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) building is part of a major enhancement of airport fire services and equipment nationally.

ARFF General Manager, Andrew Rushbrook said contracts have been signed for construction of a purpose-built facility.

"We commenced the provision of Aviation Rescue and Fire-Fighting services at the Sunshine Coast Airport in 2004 from a temporary facility but the construction of a purpose-built fire station will allow us to better meet international and environmental regulations and provide the airline industry with an appropriately located facility able to respond promptly to any airport emergency", Mr Rushbrook said.

"Our fire-fighters need to be on the scene of an aircraft emergency at the airport within three minutes to meet international safety regulations", he said.

"Nationally our ARFF crews respond to an average of 150 calls a week across Australia's 21 busiest international, domestic and regional airports and in the past two years have saved 23 lives.

"Sunshine Coast Airport is supportive of the provision of an ARFF Service at the airport and has worked with Airservices Australia to agree a site that is suitable for ARFF's operational and regulatory requirements.

"The new Sunshine Coast facility is a Prototype design and specification for an international Category 6/7 fire station and has provision to cover the expected growth at the airport.

"The design of the facility includes two vehicle bays to accommodate ARFF fire tenders, a storage facility for the water rescue craft, purpose-designed working and operational areas for staff, a mechanical workshop and associated wash down and storage areas, fuel and foam storage facilities and hardstand areas allowing the vehicles to manoeuvre safely around the building forecourt area.

"It is a functional design to meet current and proposed future operational requirements and is part of Airservices' commitment to new buildings, equipment and people to ensure we can continue to deliver outstanding aviation rescue and fire fighting services at major airports throughout Australia, said Mr Rushbrook.

The new fire station will house a Station Commander and five permanent fire-fighters on shifts covering the hours between 6.30am and 9pm seven days a week. The new station is expected to be completed and fully operational by mid-2010.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council's major projects portfolio head Cr Debbie Blumel today welcomed Airservices Australia's announcement that they will soon commence construction of their new fire station which will be located at the eastern boundary of the airport.

"This new facility, funded by Airservices Australia will ensure that the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters service continues to provide safety coverage for the Sunshine Coast Airport", Councillor Blumel said.

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Peter Pallot said aviation safety is a primary focus of Sunshine Coast Airport and this new facility will assist us in providing a world class service to our passengers.

"As the airport grows with the Sunshine Coast region these types of essential infrastructure developments will continue to serve our community into the future", Peter Pallot said.

For media enquiries please call 02 6257 2828 or email [email protected]

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Peter Pallot on 07 5453 1515

SOURCE: Airservices