Firefighting aircraft will have greater access to secure water supplies in remote forest areas in north east Victoria thanks to a $1.42 million water tank project funded by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced water tanks will be strategically placed in four remote areas by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) giving firebombing helicopters an additional resource to refill their water stores during an emergency.
The increased access to water will reduce helicopter turnaround times improving the effectiveness of fire-bombing operations with helicopters able to get water and foam on a fire more quickly, increasing the chances of first attack success.
The concrete water storage tanks – which will be able to contain 25,000 litres − will be filled from permanent creeks, portable pumps or large tankers during the winter months to be ready for the summer fire season.
The first installation will be at Dunstans Road in the Upper Murray followed by Mt Sarah and Kate’s Track Tea Tree Range, Mt Selwyn Creek area and Matlock.
Firefighting aircraft support the work of firefighters on the ground, machine operators and experienced contractors who rapidly respond to fires on public land.
The project will bring jobs and economic stimulus to regional communities through employment of local suppliers and contractors.
Funding for the Remote Water Access Project is part of the Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package which is delivering support for projects in bush fire affected areas to rebuild and update infrastructure and assets.
Source: Vic Government