A section of purpose-built railway track and two rail wagons have been donated to Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) by freight rail operator Aurizon.
The donated track and wagons will be used at the QFES North Rockhampton training facility, where they will help emergency personnel prepare for incidents involving trains.
“The QFES will practice simulation exercises where they will use heavy rescue equipment to lift the wagons safely from the railway track,” general manager of Aurizon’s network infrastructure maintenance team Wayne Prosser said.
“While we never like to see rail incidents on our Network, we are really pleased that we can support the QFES in their preparedness to respond safely should an emergency situation arise.”
Having been built in the 1970s, the wagons were to be recycled into scrap metal. Prosser said he was glad that they can instead be used to help train fire service staff.
“Being able to recycle the wagons for use by QFES means they continue to serve a purpose and is another way we can give back to the community,” Prosser said.