State government funding for the station on West Street will see new and increased facilities to boost firefighters’ capability to keep locals safe.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the project was an important step towards improving essential services for north-western Queensland.

“Not only will the upgrade provide enhanced facilities and functionality for the region, but it will also create three jobs to complete the upgrade,” Mr Ryan said.

“It will include the demolition of two existing residences on site, civil works for new hardstand areas and the construction of a storage facility for vehicles and equipment, adjacent the existing fire station.

“This new storage facility will greatly support the local workforce’s increased operational needs.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the new facilities would benefit Mount Isa as well as the region.

“Mount Isa is a regional hub that supports operations across north-western Queensland,” Ms Carroll said.

“Mount Isa Fire and Rescue Station is operated by permanent staff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the full-time presence being supported by auxiliary staff.

“As the only station in western command staffed by permanent firefighters, Mount Isa firefighters can be called to support their colleagues in areas like Boulia, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden.

“The western command covers over 410,000km, encompasses the entire Queensland-Northern Territory border and, in the north, extends around the Gulf of Carpentaria toinclude Normanton and Karumba.”

Ms Carroll said the existing station would remain fully operational during construction.

The works should be complete by mid-2017.