The new Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) station, a new training facility designed for intricate mine rescue challenges, has officially opened in the Central Highlands in Queensland.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the new training facility is so important to ensure the sector’s safety.
“It is the first new mines rescue station to be constructed in Queensland in the last 40 years and will further our shared commitment to ensuring every worker returns home to their families at the end of every shift.”
Minister Stewart said the 52-acre site will be integral to the resources industry in Central Queensland. It has a vertical rope rescue training tower, simulated mine and four-story confined space training and has been described as the best training facility in the world.
“QMRS has been training rescue personnel to save lives since 1909, and now, their incredible work has been future-proofed to serve generations of miners to come.”
QMRS CEO David Carey said the Queensland coal industry has committed funding to develop the facility which will play a major part in providing for the safety of coal miners,” Mr Carey said.
“Mines Rescue teams train hard for actions that they hope never to use but for which they must be ready for every day of their working lives.
“The Mines Rescue Service has been a part of the Queensland industry since the very early days of mining in the state and is now positioned to continue that support into the future.”