Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) volunteers are set to benefit from additional funds following the State Government’s introduction of an interest-bearing bank account, enabling brigades to earn interest on their sub-accounts.
From 19 March, all sub-accounts held by RFSQ brigades will automatically earn interest, which will be paid into brigade sub-accounts on the first business day of each month.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, Ann Leahy said the additional funds would further support the vital work of RFSQ volunteers in protecting local communities.
“By enabling brigade accounts to be interest-bearing, volunteers will receive an additional financial boost to support their critical work in protecting Queenslanders,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Crisafulli Government is continuing to listen to our volunteers and ensuring every dollar raised locally stays local, supporting the needs of individual brigades.”
RFSQ Chief Officer, Kaylene Jones, highlighted the importance of supporting the financial sustainability of RFSQ brigades.
“Our brigades are the backbone of fire safety in rural and regional Queensland, and these changes reflect our commitment to supporting them,” CO Jones said.
“The introduction of an interest-bearing account is one of the measures we are introducing to make it easier for brigades to manage their finances and focus on their core mission of protecting their communities.
“Funds raised by RFSQ brigades through local fundraising efforts, grants, levies, gifts, or donations are deposited into accounts maintained by QFD. These funds remain exclusively for the use of each individual brigade, now with the added benefit of earning interest.”
Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland CEO, Justin Choveaux said the news was a win for rural volunteer firefighters.
“We would like to thank the minister for personally ensuring that the interest that previously went into the government consolidated revenue is now being returned to rural fire brigades,” Mr Choveaux said.
“This will mean more money for brigades to fund critical expenses such as feeding firefighters on the fire ground.”
