Fire station opens at Kestrel Mine

Central Queensland's newest fire station has opened at Kestrel Mine.

The mine's new fire truck has arrived onsite, boosting safety and providing additional back-up to the safety team.

Kestrel Mine Health, Safety, Environment and Community Manager Simon Cupper said the new truck, an Isuzu FTS 750, carries 3,000 litres of water with an 80 litre foam tank.

"Kestrel's Emergency Capabilities Sub-committee recommended upgrading our rescue station to ensure we can effectively respond to any situation that may arise during underground or surface operations," Mr Cupper said.

"The rescue station is fully equipped with make-up area, rescue equipment, medical equipment storage and a training room and offices, allowing the area to be completely dedicated to facilitating an effective emergency response.

"We're also revamping our Underground Mines Rescue Team's skills and expanding the team to include surface personnel, who will train in surface techniques such as structural and wildfire fighting, vertical and confined space rescue and road accident rescue."

The teams will also include Emergency Medical Technicians to ensure the highest level of casualty care is present throughout any rescue operation.

The design, purchase and commissioning of the station, fire truck and associated equipment has been a long term project of Kestrel's Emergency Services Coordinator, Brett Rigby