Ninderry MP Dan Purdie has recounted the extraordinary efforts of emergency service personnel which saved the local community from disaster when a bushfire rapidly spread across Peregian last week.
Mr Purdie used Parliament to place on record the gratitude and thanks of the wider community to all those who played a part in last week’s emergency situation.
“I know I speak on behalf of my whole electorate and on behalf of every member in this place as I place on the parliamentary record our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who played a part in protecting our community,” Mr Purdie said.
“If it were not for the quick and coordinated response of our emergency services, the damage and destruction would have been much worse. These brave men and women don’t ask for awards or rewards, but they do deserve our acknowledgement. We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.
“Similarly, to the countless volunteers and the wider community who rallied together to provide help and support to those forced to evacuate their homes also deserve to be acknowledged.
“Like the members of the Coolum Beach Surf Club who worked through the night at the evacuation centre established at their club, and the Salvation Army volunteers who manned a barbeque around the clock at the forward command post, and the steady stream of locals and businesses who donated blankets, bottled water, pizzas and baked goods, or opened their homes to those who had been displaced.
Mr Purdie said at the peak of the fire around 10pm last Monday evening, there were over 100 fire trucks and almost 40 police units deployed to save lives and properties.
“A wall of around 20 fire trucks held the line as the fire rapidly approached Woodland Drive at Peregian.
“I have been told that it came at them like a freight train, but each firefighter, both volunteers and full-time, knew that Woodland Drive was the last line of defence.
“And as we watched the sun rise on Tuesday morning, it became clear that our emergency service personnel had held the line, and saved our community from disaster.”