QLD:Qld firefighters to be trained for floods

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2011
QLD:Qld firefighters to be trained for floods

More Queensland firefighters will be trained in flood rescue techniques, but their
commissioner can't guarantee the recommended quota will be met before next wet season.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service commanders received a poor appraisal in an inquiry
into the state's deadly summer floods early this year.

But Commissioner LEE JOHNSON has told the inquiry all reasonable steps were taken to
recall firefighters from holidays, and weather warnings were passed through the usual
communications channels.

The commission wants the service to fill its quota for swift-water rescuers, and Premier
ANNA BLIGH has committed to meeting all of the recommendations, but Mr JOHNSON has cast
doubt the number of 253 swift-water technicians will be achieved before the next wet season.

It currently has 222, and the training takes 12 months.

AAP RTV gd/jl/nb/wz

KEYWORD: FLOODS (BRISBANE)

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