Greenbank Rural Fire Brigade
What is the Greenbank Rural Fire Brigade?
It's a volunteer emergency service unit set up to protect the local community against fire.
Where is the fire station?
At 143-145 Ison Road, Greenbank 4124.
The station is open during training session and crew activities.
Who are the members?
All sorts - from 16 to 80 years - all of various backgrounds and skills - men and women.
Presently we have 26 active firefighters, 5 support members (communications / catering) and 5 beginners.
What do you do?
We endeavour to suppress wild fires both locally and the larger fires in the Beaudesert Shire. We also assist the Urban
firefighters at MVA's and house/shed fires.
As well, we assist local residents who need controlled burns on their properties, e.g. burnoff paddocks, piles of timber.
How is the brigade funded?
The Beaudesert Shire Council collects an annual $25 fire levy from each property, and hands that to the local rural fire brigade
to buy trucks, hoses, servicing and repairing trucks, fuels, etc.
Unfortunately that levy is insufficient to cover the brigade's real annual costs, so some fundraising is also undertaken by keen members.
How long has the brigade been functioning?
23 years - in 1982, some concerned local residents met and formed the Greenbank Bush Fire Brigade, which later became incorporated under
the Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority. Those residents worked extremely hard to get the brigade established, as no fundingwere available in those days.
Is the Fire Warden part of the brigade?
Not necessarily. Fire Wardens are appointed by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service to undertake PRE-FIRE activities, e.g.
check properties, issue free fire permits, and if necessary cancel those permits in periods of high fire danger.
The present Fire Warden for the Greenbank Rural Fire District is Garry Fry - mobile phone 0439 764 394.
How do I contact the brigade?
Phone Secretary - 0413 737 137.
Phone First Officer - 0421 624 901.
Or drop a note to the letterbox at the fire station in Ison Rd.
What does it cost to be a member?
Nothing. You are provided with free PPE gear (Personal Protective Equipment - fire retardant jacket and trousers, helmet, goggles,
smoke mask, gloves, boots) after you are accepted as a member.
Free training is provided on Tuesday nights and during Crew activites.
How is the brigade structured?
Operationally - the First Officer is in charge of the three firefighting crews. Each Crew has a Crew Leader and 6 - 8 firefighters.
The Communications Crew is also under his control.
Management of the brigade is handled by an elected committee of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, First Officer, and Second Officer.
The brigade members attend their general meeting held on the first Wendesday night each month, and these meetings discuss any matter of interest
or concern to the members.
We look forward to meeting you.