Natural gas company Arrow Energy has donated a slip-on firefighting unit to the Kowguran Rural Fire Brigade, north of Miles, to help protect the region from bushfires.

The portable unit, comprising a large water tank and hose, can be mounted onto a ute, truck or trailer and is designed for rapid deployment in rural and remote environments.

Arrow Energy senior land liaison officer Brock Jephcote said the company’s engagement with stakeholders in the Miles area had highlighted bushfire preparedness as an area of key importance.

“We wanted to support the community by equipping local brigades with the tools they need to respond effectively in emergencies,” he said.

“This slip-on unit will enable the Kowguran Brigade to respond quickly to spot fires and manage larger outbreaks safely and effectively.”

With the company’s Surat Gas Project (SGP) North commencing this year, Arrow was focused on being good neighbours and making meaningful contributions to the community, he said.

SGP North will include up to 450 new gas production wells, a new field compression station, 27km of pipeline, and road and infrastructure upgrades over two phases.

It represents an expansion of the SGP development, which will have the capability to produce more than 4000 petajoules of gas over the life of the project.

Related: Drilling firm lands $100m Surat Gas Project contract

“This donation is another example of how we’re helping to support and protect the communities where we operate,” Mr Jephcote said.

“We also encourage our employees to get involved in firefighting efforts, offering up to five days of paid leave annually for our regional staff who volunteer as emergency service workers.”

Rural Fire Service Queensland area manager Inspector Ross Stacey said the Western Downs had faced several severe bushfires in recent years.

“Fire is a very real threat here, and this donation from Arrow enhances the Kowguran Brigade’s ability to respond quickly and effectively. We thank Arrow for their generous support.”