December 23rd, 2024New fire control centre opens in Ballarat
Mount Rowan in Ballarat is now home to a new purpose-built Incident Control Centre (ICC), with emergency management crews ready to respond if required this summer.
The site includes an operational depot and office for Forest Fire Management (FFMVic) staff based in the Midlands District and becomes an ICC during emergencies.
The Mount Rowan site is one of 40 ICCs across the state and will provide a space for future Class 1 Emergencies to be managed, covering fire, flood and storm.
This comes as more than 90 representatives from emergency service agencies gathered in Ballarat recently to prepare for the 2024/25 fire season, including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), the State Emergency Service (SES), Victoria Police, Department of Health, local councils and supporting agencies.
AFAC – the national council for fire and emergency services – has forecast an above average fire season for the west and south west of the state in its Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook (www.emv.vic.gov.au/victorian communities-urged-to-prepare-for-increased-fire-risk-this-spring).
Additional firefighting aircraft will be stationed in the Grampians region over summer to support the fire response including two bombers and additional light fixed wing planes available on call at Horsham.
There will also be a new infrared imaging system and a new 20 tonne excavator to assist with fire response.
FFMVic prepares for bushfires year-round through planned burning, mechanical works, mulching, maintaining strategic fuel breaks and more.
Up to 550 seasonal firefighters have joined the workforce to help deliver fire and land management activities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.
Authorities are reminding the community that bushfire safety is a shared responsibility. Now is the time to develop a fire plan and prepare your properties for the hotter months.
Grampians region Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Jason Hellyer: “The Mt Rowan ICC will enhance FFMVic and partner agencies’ ability to respond to future emergencies and protect communities around Ballarat including Daylesford, Trentham, Bacchus Marsh, Smythesdale, Beaufort and Creswick.”
“This new facility allows representatives from agencies across the state, including local government and supporting agencies to assist in responding to emergencies.”
“The community should be preparing their properties for summer and making sure fire plans are up to date and in place.”
This story based on a state government media release.
