STATE of Origin came early to Woodenbong when the small town was invaded by Queenslanders late last month.
The Queensland Fire Service that is.
Firefighters from the Tamborine, Tamborine Mountain, Birnam, Woodhill, Chambers Flat and Rathdowney Rural Fire Brigades, along with Kooralbyn and Beaudesert Fire and Rescue Stations, took part in a cross-border exercise with the NSW Rural Fire Service at Woodenbong.
NSW Rural Fire Service was also well represented with brigades attending from Woodenbong, Grevillia, Urbenville, Old Bonalbo, Bonalbo, Wyneden, Yorklea and Tabulam Brigades.
According to Woodenbong Fire Brigade captain Greg Gulliver, the cross border liaison has been on the drawing board for some time and was widely supported by the members of both services as a necessary exercise to identify potential problems which brigades may face if either service was to attend an incident across the border, particularly if working with each other.
“The visit from Queensland gave us the opportunity to identify a few differences between appliances, equipment and communications,” he said.
“However, when put to task with a scenario where several fire appliances were required to relay water from a hydrant and then between trucks, both Queensland and New South Wales, the teams improvised and were able to overcome each issue quickly.
“The exercise was very worthwhile and there was a great camaraderie between both agencies which was forged immediately.”
Inspector Daniel Ainsworth from the NSW Rural Fire Service, along with his Queensland counterparts, organised the day and were on hand to gather the required information so they can put together plans, strategies and equipment which will streamline the brigades’ ability to work together.
The day was so well received that there are already plans for the visit to be reciprocated next year.
– JOYCE MARSH
