Canungra could become home to a world leading centre for emergency and disaster training, if Troy Cuff’s dream for his property becomes a reality.
The former paramedic and first responder has flagged his Darlington Range Road property for a unique concept.
Under the banner of Canungra Emergency Research and Education Facility (CEREF), Mr Cuff and his partner Lydia Halim would provide unique training for first responders, defence personnel and researchers.
“As good as our training is, it has its limitations,” explained Mr Cuff, who still volunteers as a rural fire fighter.
“We can’t expose the students to something that hasn’t happened yet, but what we’re achieving with CEREF is actually exposing them to those type of environments they would normally be exposed to over a five or 10 year career in emergency response.
“We would give them that type of training as close as we can to reality.”
The training would utilise the rugged terrain on the property and also built ‘cells’ – buildings designed to provide whatever environment required for the training – for example rain or high wind.
From simulated disaster scenarios to realistic rescue operations, the training will reflect emergency responders’ challenges in the field.
Mr Cuff is an Emergency Management and Safety Specialist with over 30 years of experience in training and safety within Australia’s mining, oil, and gas industries.
He has responded to major disasters, including fires and floods across the nation, and has collaborated with organisations such as the Red Cross, QFES, RFS, QAS, and St John Ambulance.
While a development application has not been submitted to Scenic Rim Regional Council, Mr Cuff and the CEREF board members have had pre-development meetings with council.
Mr Cuff and Ms Halim are currently raising awareness and looking into funding the project.
“We’re now into the process where we need to raise the capital and raise awareness for it,” Mr Cuff said.
“Then we can then proceed to a development application and start building the facility.”
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