In a big win for miner safety, a new training centre geared for complex mine rescue difficulties has opened in the Central Highlands in Queensland.
The new Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) station in Stewarton was officially launched by Resources Minister Scott Stewart, ensuring that safety in the resources industry was top of mind for everyone.
The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) specializes in supporting the mining sector with risk management and safety in both underground and surface mining.
“The most important thing to come off any Queensland resource site isn’t the coal or minerals – it’s the workers,” Mr Stewart said in a media release.
“Queensland Mines Rescue Service’s work in risk management and as first responders is second to none, which is why opening this new training facility today is so important.
“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.”
According to the official announcement, the new station is state of the art, has a vertical rope rescue training tower, simulated mine and four-story confined space training.
“Some people are describing this as the best training facility anywhere in the world, and I think they’re spot on. 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,” the Minister said.
The first mines rescue brigade was founded in the Ipswich coal fields in 1909, followed by the construction of the first permanent mines rescue station in 1923.
“The Queensland coal industry has committed funding to develop this facility which will play a major part in providing for the safety of coal miners,” added QMRS CEO David Carey.
“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.”
