MEDIA RELEASE: Volunteers at the heart of city’s rural fire brigades
Fully staffed by volunteers, Redlands Coast’s Rural Fire Brigades provide a distinct service to the entire community that is different to the regular urban firefighting teams.
Redland City Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Deputy Chair Julie Talty said the LDMG was fortunate to include member organisations largely comprised of local volunteers, including six Rural Fire Brigades.
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It comes as Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) volunteers are being recognised today, Yellow Ribbon Day 2025, for their vital work keeping Queenslanders safe.
“These volunteer brigades, including our city brigades, are there on the frontline when there is a bushfire, supporting other emergency responses,” Cr Talty said.
“Our brigades also work throughout the year on mitigation work that reduces bushfire risks, as well as providing community education about how to prepare and be safe during a fire.
“Their efforts during Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March this year made a significant impact in recovery, helping to re-open and reconnect our city.”
One of the many services they provide is to work in conjunction with Queensland Fire Department (QFD) staff to undertake a range of planning and preparation activities throughout the year, including the delivery of community education and awareness on fire behaviour and prevention.
The brigades are based at Karragarra Island, Lamb Island, Macleay Island, Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island, and Russell Island. On the mainland, the Brisbane Region Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade is based in Mount Cotton and will undergo a name change later this year.
To ensure the brigades are resourced sufficiently to provide their vital services, Council collects funds on their behalf through the Redland City Rural Fire Brigade Separate Charge as part of residents’ rates notice.
Previously only charged to ratepayers on the SMBI islands, Council made the decision in the 2025–2026 Budget to extend the charge to all ratepayers across the city.
“This was in recognition of the vital role the brigade plays in protecting the entire Redlands Coast community, particularly during emergencies,” Cr Talty said.
By reducing the levy charged to SMBI ratepayers (in 2024-2025 it was $15.64) and applying it across the city as an annual fee of $6 per lot, it provides a significant boost in funds for the fire brigades.
Now that it is citywide, the annual funds of just more than $237,000 is forecast to exceed $438,000 this financial year.
Cr Talty said all funds collected through the charge go directly to local brigades through the Local Area Finance Committee (LAFC), chaired by the Rural Fire Service Queensland.
“It ensures our city continues to benefit from the amazing service provided by these volunteers by supplying financial support for necessary equipment and training,” she said.
The Rural Fire Service, which first began on Redlands Coast in 1976, provides a range of services including:
- responding to fire outbreaks
- working in conjunction with QFD staff to ensure communities are prepared for the severe weather season, including hazard reduction burns
- controlling the use of fire by providing authorised fire wardens to manage permits
- manage road crash rescue and provide critical first response medical support on the SMBI
- supporting other emergency agencies across Redlands Coast in times of need- for example clean-ups after severe weather and door knocking to give public information.
Queenslanders are being encouraged to show their support today for the state’s unsung heroes by wearing a yellow ribbon. RFSQ Area offices and brigades will be carrying Yellow Ribbons today.
For more information on Yellow Ribbon Day, visit rfbaq.org/yrd25pack.
