The Toowoomba region is now home to a new $18.35 million fire and emergency services centre.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan officially opened the new South Western Region Headquarters and Fire and Rescue station in Charlton, on Steger Road.
"This significant investment reflects our commitment to the safety of communities in the Toowoomba region and South Western Queensland," Mr Ryan said.
"Having the regional headquarters and Charlton fire station at the same location will enhance the region's emergency response while also meeting the future needs of the community.
"With more than 80 emergency service jobs based at the Charlton precinct, this is also a boon for local businesses and the wider Toowoomba area."
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said a new Regional Operations Centre and Fire Communication Centre was also included at the new facility, which further increased the capability of QFES staff and volunteers based at the Charlton complex.
"South Western Region runs from Toowoomba in the east, west to the South Australian border and south to the New South Wales border, which is a considerable size of land to cover," Mr Leach said.
"QFES staff and volunteers are passionate about supporting their communities and being able to provide this multi-million-dollar, multi-function facility will help them do that to an even higher standard.
"It's not only a boost to personnel, but it's a boost to the community it will service - their safety, resilience and capability."
The new headquarters and station were built by local company, McNab Constructions Australia, supporting 60 local jobs during construction.
The headquarters are also located next to QFES' tactical training facility.
A new specialist $800,000 firefighting appliance will also be presented to Charlton Fire and Rescue Station at the opening.
The Type 3 Urban Pumper Fire Appliance is capable of pumping more than 4500 litres of water per minute. It also includes warning lights, road crash rescue equipment (jaws of life), a thermal imaging camera and a gas detector for improved protection of crew and public safety.
