General News
30 April, 2026
Vital funds for rural firefighters
RURAL Fire brigades will benefit from the introduction of an interest-bearing bank account, enabling them to earn interest on their sub-accounts.
The changes by the State Government were made in mid-March, allowing all sub-accounts held by Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) brigades to automatically earn interest – ensuring funds that are raised locally, stay local.
The former government stripped RFSQ volunteers of their ability to earn interest on their sub-accounts, taking away funds they had rightfully generated. This led to volunteer numbers falling by more than 7,800.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the additional funds the brigades could earn from interest on their accounts 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,” she 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,” she 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 government’s decision 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,” he said.
