New mines rescue facility opens in the Central Highlands
By Industry Queensland
Photo: Resources Minister Scott Stewart and QMRS CEO David CarResources Minister Scott Stewart and QMRS CEO David Carey at the new station.
A new training facility designed for intricate mine rescue challenges has officially opened in the Central Highlands.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart opened the new Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) station at Stewarton saying the most important thing to come off any Queensland resource site was the workers.
“Queensland Mines Rescue Service’s work in risk management and as first responders is second to none, which is why opening this new training facility today is so important,” Mr Stewart said.
“It is the first new mines rescue station to be constructed in Queensland in the last 40 years and will further our shared commitment to ensuring every worker returns home to their families at the end of every shift.”
Minister Stewart said the 52-acre site on the Capricorn Highway, formerly occupied by Orica, will be integral to the resources industry in Central Queensland.
“This facility has it all – a vertical rope rescue training tower, simulated mine and four-story confined space training,” he said.
“Some people are describing this as the best training facility anywhere in the world, and I think they’re spot on.CQ teams dominate national mines rescue titles
“QMRS has been training rescue personnel to save lives since 1909, and now, their incredible work has been future-proofed to serve generations of miners to come.”
Up to the challenge
The Training Centre is a 21st century facility for 21stcentury rescue challenges said QMRS CEO David Carey.
“The Queensland coal industry has committed funding to develop this facility which will play a major part in providing for the safety of coal miners,” Mr Carey said.
“Mines Rescue teams train hard for actions that they hope never to use but for which they must be ready for every day of their working lives.
“The Mines Rescue Service has been a part of the Queensland industry since the very early days of mining in the state and is now positioned to continue that support into the future.”
