11/04/2012

The RACQ is taking its Mobile Business Centre (MBC) to Charters Towers and Bowen in north Queensland next week, offering motorists free vehicle health checks.

MBC Coordinator Keith Cassidy will be visiting the north Queensland centres after showcasing the MBC in Mt Isa at the official launch of the latest addition to RACQ’s sponsored helicopter rescue network, RACQ NQ Rescue, on April 14.

Mr Cassidy said the free checks would cover three key areas - a vehicle’s internal/external features; under the bonnet; and wheels and tyres - and include:

• Mandatory lights
• Horn, wipers and washers
• Dash warning lights
• Service record
• Windscreen and mirrors
• Seatbelt operation and security
• Oil, water and coolant levels and leaks
• Drive belts
• Hoses and pipes
• Battery and charging system
• Tyres and spare condition, tread wear and pressures.

“The Mobile Business Centre’s main role is to respond to the needs of RACQ members and customers during natural disasters,” Mr Cassidy said.

“However, it also travels thousands of kilometres throughout Queensland every year for special events, such as the Outback Festival in Winton in 2007, and the Longreach Show in 2008.”

Mr Cassidy said the centre was developed after Cyclone Larry hit North Queensland in March 2006.

“It’s ready to hit the road any time disaster strikes and is equipped with its own satellite communications system, water and power so it can be self-sufficient,” he said.

“It has been deployed numerous times since 2007, including in the aftermath of the Mackay floods in 2008, when it was one of the first emergency response vehicles to reach the central Queensland city.

“At the time, RACQ’s branch in the CBD was under water for several days, but the MBC enabled residents whose homes or cars had been flooded to lodge claims quickly and receive on-the-spot advice.

“It was also sent to North Queensland when Cyclone Yasi hit in February 2011, and was one of the first vehicles to reach the key disaster area around Tully. RACQ staff travelling with the MBC distributed free water to local residents and helped clear roads while others assisted with insurance claims.
            
“Many local residents were still shell-shocked when we arrived in the area, which was not surprising given the incredible mess the cyclone had caused in about a 100km radius around Tully.

“But it was great seeing the cooperation between all the emergency services personnel and volunteers who turned out to help with the clean-up. It made the RACQ team proud to see how Queenslanders deal with disasters.” 

Travelling with Mr Cassidy in the MBC next week will be RACQ’s regional manager Trevor Walch, who will be talking with members and local residents about motoring issues such as road funding and motoring costs.

The MBC schedule for next week is:

Tuesday 17 April – 8.00am to 5.00pm, Woolworths Shopping Centre Carpark, Gill Street, Charters Towers

Wednesday 18 April – 12 noon to 4.00pm, BTM NQ Repco Authorised Car Service Mechanic Auto Repairs Workshop, 18588 Bruce Highway, Bowen.