Council secures $300,000 in DRFA funding to boost aerial firefighting capacity at Rolleston Airstrip

Posted on August 19, 2025

Central Highlands Regional Council has welcomed new funding to upgrade the firefighting capabilities at the Rolleston Airstrip. 

Through Queensland’s DRFA Efficiencies Funding Program under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), council has secured $300,000 to install a pumped raw water connection point at the taxiway of the Rolleston runway. 

State Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said it is important to utilise recovery funding savings to do even more vital disaster resilience work in rural and remote communities like Rolleston. 

‘Together with the Australian Government, the Crisafulli Government is investing $330 million over five years from DRFA Efficiencies for regional projects that make our state stronger, safer and more resilient to natural hazards,’ Mr Dillon said. 

‘Improved access to equipment that assists firefighting operations, such as a pumped raw water connection point on the Rolleston runway, will be a boon for the Central Highlands as they tackle future bushfire seasons.’ 

Mayor Janice Moriarty said the project would significantly increase the region’s capacity to respond to bushfire emergencies. 

‘This investment means aerial firefighting teams will have faster and more efficient access to a high-pressure water source during emergency operations,’ Mayor Moriarty continued.  

‘Council is committed to enhancing local resilience and ensuring our communities are better equipped in times of crisis.’ 

The fully funded project will deliver an operational water connection point capable of refilling aerial firefighting appliances with the volume and pressure needed for rapid deployment. 

Works are scheduled to commence in 2026-27 financial year.