LNP proposes Mount Cotton 'emergency response service'

Cr Talty said such a service might include some shared resourcing and recommendations from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on the best fit for the area.

Cr Talty is a long-time campaigner at Redland City Council level for setting up a Rural Fire Service brigade at Mount Cotton but has failed to win enough support for the idea from fellow councillors.

They have argued that there are already substantial fire fighting resources in the district.

Cr Talty said she had led a campaign for more than two years to set up a Rural Fire Service which would help the community be prepared if disaster were to strike.

“Redland City has one of the best disaster management programs in Queensland but you can never be too prepared,” she said.

“The fire mapping is clear. With more than 1000 hectares of fuel nearby, Mount Cotton and neighbouring areas are at a high risk of bushfire and residents need all the support they can get.

“Fire mitigation can not always prevent a disaster and given Mt Cotton is surrounded by dense bushland, a volunteer fire unit would play an important role in keeping us safe if a fire were to occur.” 

Mrs Talty said more than 100 residents attended a public meeting in 2015, where unanimous support was provided for the establishment of a volunteer fire service.

“Community representatives play an important role in keep our communities safe and I look forward to continuing to work with residents once again to ensure our families and homes remain safe when most needed.”