Australia: Santos GLNG Project Invests to Boost Volunteer Fire Fighting Equipment

The Santos GLNG Project has invested $500,000 to purchase new fire fighting equipment for the Rural Fire Service to assist volunteer fire fighters in the Maranoa region in preparing for the fast approaching fire season.

The new equipment consists of 65 slip-on units with speed loader stands, which can be easily transported on the back of four wheel drive vehicles, and 65 first aid kits.

Santos GLNG Project Manager Social Performance John Phalen today joined Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) South Western Region Assistant Commissioner Tom Dawson to distribute the last of the units to local volunteers.

“The Santos GLNG Project works closely with local community representatives and government to identify areas where we can give back to the communities in which we operate,” Mr Phalen said.

“Safety is our number one priority at Santos. When we heard from the local Rural Fire Service volunteers that they predicted a busy fire season, naturally we wanted to see how we could help them.

“We hope this equipment will help these local heroes, who put their lives on the line to protect their local communities.”

Mr Dawson welcomed the donation, which he said would contribute significantly to rural operations within the Maranoa Regional Council area, especially during the current bushfire season.

“This partnership has seen 41 rural brigades in the region receive vital firefighting equipment which will not only assist them this season but for many more to come,” Mr Dawson said.

“These volunteers work extremely hard to keep their community safe and are responsible for an area 58,830 km² in size with approximately 13,000 residents.

“As a result of this generous donation, each of these brigades has at least three slip-on units at their disposal, greatly boosting their ability to conduct firefighting operations.

“We are very appreciative of this generous opportunity provided by Santos.”

The equipment has been distributed to volunteers in the region by the QFRS Rural Operations.

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Source: GLNG, September 28, 2011