Members of the Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade gathered for the official opening of their new rural fire station on Bluff Road at Bilyana, between Cardwell and Tully, on Saturday 1 July 2017.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, said he was very pleased to be invited to attend the event, after he worked with the Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade members to secure the land for the new facility.

Mr Cripps said the new rural fire station would benefit the Bilyana community, by providing a central and secure location for the storage of equipment to respond to fire events across the district.

“I was more than happy to assist the Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade Secretary, Pat McCool, to secure a parcel of state-owned land, after finding a suitable location had proven difficult” said Mr Cripps.

“It was acknowledged that Pat had put an enormous amount of work into planning and delivering the new shed for the Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade and he is to be congratulated” he said.

“The community also took the opportunity to recognise the lengthy service of Michael Ottone, Peter Ottone and Mr Joe Ottone to the Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade – it was quite a family affair”.

“The Bilyana Rural Fire Brigade provides an important service to the local community in the Bilyana area and I hope this new shed supports the hard and generous work of these volunteers”.

Mr Cripps said all rural fire brigades were always looking for volunteers to assist with the service they provide to local communities and he encouraged people to consider joining their local brigade.