Joint media release with the Hon Dan Cregan MP
334,000 hectares of forest plantations in Australia's Green Triangle will soon be better protected from bushfire, with a new 144kL water tank and dual diesel/electric water pump being installed at Mount Gambier Regional Airport.
Co-funded by more than $415,000 from the Albanese Government's flagship Disaster Ready Fund and District Council of Grant, the new aerial firefighting assets will improve the ability of fire authorities to slow the progress of bushfires and better protect communities spanning from Kingston SE, to Warrnambool, Victoria.
Significant preparatory work to replace the existing 1960s built aerial waterbombing infrastructure has been completed with the installation of the new tank and pump expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:
"The Green Triangle Region is an important part of Australia's Forestry and Forest Products industry, with this investment core to protecting the pine and blue gum plantations across South Australia's Limestone Coast and Western Districts of Victoria."
"Modernising and increasing water access for aerial firefighting means the region is better equipped to combat bushfires, not only protecting the forestry plantations but also protecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Forestry workers across the Region.
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Dan Cregan:
"This upgraded asset will be a critical resource to assist firefighting efforts in the South East, protecting communities and our timber resources.
"The Green Triangle is one of the state's most productive sectors and the support provided through the Disaster Ready Fund will ensure improved responses to those living and working in the region."
Quotes attributable to District Council of Grant Mayor, Kylie Boston:
"The Mount Gambier Regional Airport services the Limestone Coast and parts of Western Victoria, as does its infrastructure which plays a critical role in emergency management, particularly in supporting aerial waterbombing over our region. Notably first response to fire is often by air from aircraft stationed at the Airport.
"Council, alongside the Limestone Coast Zone Emergency Management Committee, identified that bushfires in our region without aerial waterbombing assistance are an extreme risk. This project acts as a key tool for fire mitigation and ensures that aerial waterbombing efforts will be available for many decades to come protecting our communities and industry."
334,000 hectares of forest plantations in Australia's Green Triangle will soon be better protected from bushfire, with a new 144kL water tank and dual diesel/electric water pump being installed at Mount Gambier Regional Airport.
Co-funded by more than $415,000 from the Albanese Government's flagship Disaster Ready Fund and District Council of Grant, the new aerial firefighting assets will improve the ability of fire authorities to slow the progress of bushfires and better protect communities spanning from Kingston SE, to Warrnambool, Victoria.
Significant preparatory work to replace the existing 1960s built aerial waterbombing infrastructure has been completed with the installation of the new tank and pump expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:
"The Green Triangle Region is an important part of Australia's Forestry and Forest Products industry, with this investment core to protecting the pine and blue gum plantations across South Australia's Limestone Coast and Western Districts of Victoria."
"Modernising and increasing water access for aerial firefighting means the region is better equipped to combat bushfires, not only protecting the forestry plantations but also protecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Forestry workers across the Region.
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Dan Cregan:
"This upgraded asset will be a critical resource to assist firefighting efforts in the South East, protecting communities and our timber resources.
"The Green Triangle is one of the state's most productive sectors and the support provided through the Disaster Ready Fund will ensure improved responses to those living and working in the region."
Quotes attributable to District Council of Grant Mayor, Kylie Boston:
"The Mount Gambier Regional Airport services the Limestone Coast and parts of Western Victoria, as does its infrastructure which plays a critical role in emergency management, particularly in supporting aerial waterbombing over our region. Notably first response to fire is often by air from aircraft stationed at the Airport.
"Council, alongside the Limestone Coast Zone Emergency Management Committee, identified that bushfires in our region without aerial waterbombing assistance are an extreme risk. This project acts as a key tool for fire mitigation and ensures that aerial waterbombing efforts will be available for many decades to come protecting our communities and industry."
