March 4th, 2022Fire & wood

Creswick and Ballan are among a number of regional fire stations to receive new dual cab tankers, replacing single-cab tankers and allowing the entire crew to sit in the cabin.
The fleet is part of a government roll-out that has so far delivered 20 tankers Victoria-wide.
The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank, automatic transmission, electronic monitors and rewind hose reels and crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection.

Firewood collection in the Hepburn Shire has become a bit more complicated, with new changes announced by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Firewood collection regulations come into force on March 1 and collectors may be asked to provide proof of residency when collecting in local coupes.

Firewood can only be taken from designated collection areas in state forests or parks during approved collection seasons by local residents from March 1 to June 30 and spring collection from September 1 to November 30.
A spokesperson said the changes will maintain a more sustainable domestic firewood supply for local residents.
Fines are hefty for those breaking the rules and DELWP says it uses video surveillance cameras to monitor state forests with officers issuing on the spot fines.