Airservices Australia has opened its new Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting station at Queenland's Sunshine Coast Airport.
Opened by Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, the new $5 million facility incorporates two vehicle bays to house high-performance fire tenders, a maintenance bay, an observation tower housing a Fire Control Centre, and new staff facilities include a training room, gymnasium, kitchen and stand-down area.
While it obviously hosts its fair share of heavier traffic, a number of major GA companies are also based at Sunshine Coast Airport including Cessna reps Aeromil Pacific, Becker Helicopters, Singapore Flying College, and others involved in maintenance, charter, and freight handling work.
"This station will provide aviation fire fighters with a state-of-the-art facility to allow them to do their job efficiently and effectively," Airservices CEO Greg Russell said. "It will also allow them to keep their skills current and their equipment ready to respond at a moments notice. The modular nature of the fire station incorporates an innovative, flexible and functional design which can grow as the airport grows."
The station will operate daily from 0700 until 2030 and will be manned by a staff of 17.
From left: Sunshine Coast Fire Station Commander Kerry Schemioneck, Councillor Debbie Blummel, Minister Albanese, Sunshine Coast Mayor Council Bob Abbot, Airservices CEO Greg Russell, GM Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Andrew Rushbrook.
