The Queensland Government is undertaking a reform program to address the function, structure, culture, efficiency, funding and sustainability of our disaster and emergency services.
The reforms will see an increase of emergency services personnel, while dedicated budgets will boost resourcing across Queensland, ensuring we can continue to support Queenslanders when they need it most.
As part of the reforms, a new Queensland Fire Department (QFD) will be established with a clear focus on fire prevention, response and control.
The QFD will include:
Disaster management functions, State Emergency Service (SES), and the management of various service level agreements will be transitioned from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), and to the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
As disasters evolve, so too should the way we prepare, prevent, respond to, and recover from them.
In July 2021, the Queensland Government commissioned an independent review of QFES and its associated volunteer services.
The goal of the review was to ensure the long-term sustainability of emergency service delivery for Queenslanders. This included assessing the existing scope, functions, and suitability of the QFES structure and its funding arrangements.
Multiple recommendations made by the review have been accepted in principle by the government and address function, structure, culture, efficiency, funding and sustainability.
The Reform Implementation Taskforce (RIT) is leading the reforms including the legislative amendments required to establish the new QFD. Within QFES, the RIT Support Directorate has been established, comprising subject matter experts and additional resources to manage the change, communication, organisational design and business analysis work.
We have been engaging with staff and volunteers across the state and consulting with industrial bodies. There have been many workshops, reference group meetings, town halls and online forums to ensure everyone is aware of what is happening and able to have a say about the future QFD.
While this work is underway, we have committed to continuity of service delivery for the community.
The work of the RIT will be completed by 30 June 2024, but work will continue in QFD to support and embed the changes.
Latest news
The organisational structure of the new Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) comprises of a state office, 4 regions, 8 districts and 25 areas.
The new structure has been designed to ensure RFSQ has the capability and capacity to meet future disaster needs and operate as a separate entity within the new QFD.
The reforms will see an extra 114 full time equivalent (FTE) positions for the RFSQ, as well as additional funding for new appliances, facilities and equipment.
These additional funds are already being invested in new facilities, equipment, and fleet for the existing RFS. An investment of $10 million of funding has been put towards new or upgraded RFS station facilities and $1 million is being invested annually for the provision of amenities to existing Rural Fire Brigades.
The new structure is designed to meet the needs of a modern RFSQ, with a focus on supporting our frontline volunteers and their communities. It also aims to streamline processes and improve our frontline service delivery by putting resources where they are needed most.
The reforms will provide better support for volunteers and the capabilities they deliver.
No employees will lose their job as part of the reforms and there will be no forced redundancies.
RFS regions and divisions
New boundaries will be established to support the new RFSQ organisational structure.
View the future RFSQ boundaries:
Latest news
Under the new Queensland Fire Department, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s (QFR) core role to serve communities through fire prevention, response, recovery and control will remain unchanged.
As part of the reform, there will be increased funding, including an allocation of an additional 143 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. This investment aims to enhance the capacity of the QFR in fulfilling its mission of protecting and serving the community.
New regional boundaries will be introduced. These have been designed to better manage frontline teams through improved service coverage and standardised spans of control.
QFR comprises a state office, 4 regions, 8 divisions, 15 Zones and 31 Area Commands.
QFR regions and divisions
View the future QFR boundary maps:
You’ll hear about what the Reform Implementation Taskforce (RIT) is working on through your existing communications channels, via emails, through your management and leadership teams.
