Supplement to East Gippsland Newspapers, October 30, 2024 FEATURE Be bushfire ready It's that time of year again - with summer only weeks away, it also means an increased bushfire risk. Parts of Victoria, specifically the southwest and western areas, are facing an early start to the fire season following a drier than average autumn and winter. Elsewhere across the state, the fire risk potential is likely to be normal, however there is a chance the fire season may begin earlier than normal in areas dominated by drier forests, woodlands and heathlands. Because of this, it's vital to prepare ahead of the bushfire season. Inside this feature you will find tips for preparing in case of emergency, this year's Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring and the simple tasks you can undertake on your own property to be prepared early.
| EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS 2 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 Bushfire outlook After a drier-than average autumn and winter, Victoria's far west and southwest are facing an increased fire risk leading into summer, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring. There is a high chance the bushfire season will start early in these regions, which extends through the Wimmera, Grampians National Park and the Mallee. In these areas, a substantial increase in dead and dry plant material within forests will make it easier for fires to start and spread. Across the state, Victorians can expect an average rainfall outlook and a warmer than average spring, which is likely to lead to drier than normal conditions. The fire risk potential for the remaining parts of the state is assessed to be normal, noting there is a chance the bushfire season may also begin earlier in areas dominated by drier forests, woodlands and grasslands. "Always have multiple sources of emergency information. Download the VicEmergency app and tune in to your local emergency broadcaster," Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said. "Victorians can expect an earlier start to the fire season in the southwest and western areas due to a drier than average first half of the year. "CFA crews across the state are prepared to protect their communities once again. "Our brigades are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season. "Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and Victorians, so we urge people to begin preparing their family and property for the upcoming fire season." Emergency services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to the fire season and will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the summer period. "It's important to prepare now for the potential for fires by ensuring you understand your fire risk, and that you know what to do in case of an emergency," Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said. "Create your fire plan and talk with your family about what you will do in case of a fire. "Our crews work year round to reduce bushfire risk to Victorians and the things they care about," Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said. "Conditions this autumn and winter have been favourable for us to carry out works, including planned burns, to reduce bushfire risk. With the support of the community and in partnership with other agencies, we'll continue this work through spring as it is safe and suitable to do so. "All Victorians have a role to play to reduce bushfire risk. We encourage the community to act now to prepare for the bushfire season ahead." The Outlook for Spring is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) along with state and territory fire and land managers. Batt Brothers leads the way When it comes to vegetation management, Batt Brothers leads the way with a comprehensive range of services designed to tackle everything from smallscale weed control to large-scale land clearing. Maintaining large slashing contracts only highlights their growing reputation for reliability and expertise in keeping landscapes well-maintained and safe. With a fleet of tractors, Batt Brothers is fully equipped to handle extensive land and roadside slashing. These powerful machines make short work of large, open areas, ensuring grass and brush are kept at bay, which is crucial for fire safety and maintaining clear visibility for roadways and properties. For more complex vegetation challenges, Batt Brothers offers specialised forestry mulching services. They excel in clearing dense undergrowth, including tea tree and maintaining fence lines, providing property owners with clean, manageable spaces. Their ability to handle everything from small jobs to vast landscapes with their range of equipment, from excavators equipped with grabs to small machinery for tight spaces ensures that even the most difficult-to-reach areas are efficiently cleared. Weeds are no match for the dedicated weed spraying crews, who target invasive species with precision and care. These teams are experienced in controlling weeds without causing unnecessary harm to the surrounding environment, promoting healthy ecosystems. Tree maintenance is another key focus of Batt Brothers, with professional tree crews ready to trim, cut and remove even the tallest trees. Their ability to cut from the ground up to 90ft using truck mounted equipment ensures safety and accuracy and with skilled climbers, no tree is too difficult to reach, making them the go-to service for complex tree removals and trimming jobs. Batt Brothers can handle anything vegetation-related, from ground-level work to towering tree tasks. As fire season approaches, their services are essential for those looking to clear firebreaks, maintain defensible space and be fire prepared. Trust Batt Brothers for all your vegetation management needs - they are equipped, experienced and ready to help protect your property year-round. Batt Brothers is fully equipped to take extensive land and roadside slashing with its fleet tractors. *Chief Officer Jason Heffernan QuickVac Gutter Cleaning JOSH KERTON0499 562 030 quickvacc@gmail.com EN17451 WHAT A RE-LEAF Call us to clean your gutters before this fire season. Slash your fire risk this Summer ❱ Tree Pruning ❱ Tree & Shrub Removal ❱ Stump Grinding ❱ Forestry Mulching ❱ Slashing ❱ Clearing Fence Lines What we do kyle@battbrothers.com | www.battbrothers.com Get a free quote today 1300 228 276 Certied for quality, safety and environment
EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS | 3 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 East Gippsland Water will make every effort to maintain reticulated water supplies in the event of a bushfire. However supplies cannot be guaranteed and customers should not rely solely on the reticulated water system if they choose to stay and protect their property during a major fire event. CFA advise leaving early as the safest option to protect you and your family, as the reticulated water supply system is only designed to cope with everyday needs. Excessively high levels of demand from East Gippsland Water customers and emergency services place this supply under extreme load, which may lead to a drop in water pressure, or loss of supply altogether. It may also affect water quality. In addition supply availability may be impacted by damage to the reticulated infrastructure itself, or even by sprinklers left on at properties evacuated - leaving firefighters with insufficient water to extract from hydrants, particularly at the end of a system or at a high point. Situations may prevent our staff entering a bushfire zone to get to infrastructure, which in turn may make it impossible to maintain normal water pressure, quality or an uninterrupted supply to every household. BUSHFIRE PREPARATIONS Our preparations for every bushfire season include keeping our water storages topped up to maximise available water, with backup generators also located at critical sites – designed to kick in automatically in the event of a power outage. Further contingency measures implemented by East Gippsland Water since the bushfires at the turn of the year have included: - Putting in extra fire protection at the Woodglen Water Treatment Plant, serving East Gippsland Water's Mitchell River Water Supply System and some 85 per cent of customers - Completing work to double water storage capacity in Sarsfield from six to 12 million litres - Upgrading infrastructure to increase water flow to Bruthen, enabling the water storage there to be filled 50 per cent faster than previously, to help better address high levels of customer demand - Upgrading water infrastructure at Sarsfield and Buchan to improve water flows in peak periods - Installing additional specialist equipment at Orbost, Buchan, Cann River and Bemm River water treatment plant sites – designed to make it easier to clean and treat excessively dirty river water impacted by bushfire ash and debris. Where a bushfire poses an imminent threat to property, any water saving rules or water restrictions are automatically waived. CFA ADVICE Should you decide to stay and defend your property, CFA recommends having at least 10,000 litres of water stored for emergency use, a firefighting pump that is not reliant on mains power supply, firefighting hoses that reach all the way around your home, and personal protective clothing. In addition, ensure there is a CFA fitting on water tanks. Your reticulated water supply In the event of a bushfire, East Gippsland Water advise not to solely rely on the reticulated water system if they choose to stay during a fire event. The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has worked alongside agencies, community groups and individuals for more than 25 years achieving great results. In the past four years, projects have been part of the bushfire recovery program. These projects have included weed control, revegetation with native plant species and efforts to strengthen riverbanks and improve habitats for native species such as fish and platypus. The 2019/2020 bushfires had a devastating effect on our landscapes. Some natural landscapes have shown an incredible ability to recover on their own. Initially weeds flourish, but over time, native vegetation can reestablish, transforming the landscape with fresh native greenery and blooming wildflowers. The East Gippsland CMA will continue working with its partners and community on a whole of catchment approach that ensures that every aspect of our waterways is considered. Despite the challenges of floods, fires and drought, East Gippsland CMA are dedicated to working together to ensure resilience and health of our catchments for future generations. Working together to build resilience Tambo River 1998 (above) and 2024 (below) at Bruthen. EN26511
| EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS 4 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 Clear your gutters As Fire Action Week approaches, it’s time to think about the critical role gutter maintenance plays in keeping your home safe. Quickvac Gutter Cleaning, under the leadership of local owner Josh Kerton, offers professional gutter cleaning services to help protect your property from potential fire hazards. Josh, born and raised in East Gippsland, has been a familiar face in the community for years. He took over Quickvac in 2022 after building his expertise and knowledge of the business long before the transition. His passion for keeping local homes safe is evident, not only through his business but also his involvement in the local CFA, where he has proudly served for over a decade. Leaves and debris in gutters aren’t just unsightly – they’re a real fire risk, especially as fire season draws near. When gutters are clogged with dry leaves, twigs and other debris, they become a perfect tinderbox, increasing the danger of ember attacks. In a region prone to bushfires, like East Gippsland, taking preventative action is key. Quickvac Gutter Cleaning uses advanced equipment to safely and efficiently remove debris from your gutters, reducing the risk of fire around your home. Regular cleaning, particularly before fire season, ensures that gutters are clear, providing better water flow and less chance of dangerous buildup. Josh and his team understand the local landscape and the importance of being prepared. With years of experience and a commitment to fire safety, Quickvac is proud to offer a service that helps protect families and their homes. By investing in professional gutter cleaning, you’re not only maintaining your property but also safeguarding it against the devastating impact of bushfires. Get ready for Fire Action Week by booking a gutter cleaning service with Quickvac. Trust a local business with the safety of your home and family. Quickvac Gutter Cleaning offers professional gutter cleaning services under the leadership of Josh Kerton. Get fire ready with EVC today Bairnsdale-based business, Eastern Vegetation Contracting (EVC), offers a wide variety of services to rural landowners and farmers to prepare for the fire season. Eastern Vegetation Contracting (EVC) based in Bairnsdale offers a wide range of services to rural landowners and farmers and ahead of the upcoming fire season being predicted to be high fire danger summer and its time now to get prepared with forestry mulching, firebreaks and spraying. Act now before it’s too late by preparing your property for the potential impact of fire, fire prevention slashing and mulching to ensure vegetation is maintained ahead of fire season is a key part of the EVC product. The team is able to assist property owners with spraying and weed management utilising both boom and slip on-spot units from vehicle and also using its utility vehicle to get to those hard-to-reach places. EVC’s forestry mulching machines can remove regrowth shrub and trees, remove briers, box thorns and sucker shrubs. EVC offers a wide variety of services from doing your general clearing of land in all aspects, paddock cleanups, - ideal for preparing your property ahead of the bushfire season. 0499 509 367 • RETAINING WALLS • DRIVEWAYS • TRENCHING • FOOTPATHS • SITE CUTS • LANDSCAPING • CONCRETE REMOVAL • GREEN WASTE REMOVAL EN25710 Old Man Water East Gippsland Michael Barton - 0498 777 670 For all your water carting needs EN17478
EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS | 5 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 AusNet upgrades With summer fast approaching AusNet is upgrading and preparing the network for bushfire season. AusNet undertook extensive bushfire mitigation works in East Gippsland, with 100 maintenance jobs and 80 crew in action over the weekend of October 19 and 20. AusNet executive general manager distribution, Andrew Linnie, said that to safely complete these works, around 8000 AusNet customers were without power throughout the weekend. In addition to 80 crew members there was 20 trucks, several cranes and six specialised pole removal vehicles involved in completing the maintenance works. "We'll be replacing wooden poles with concrete and titan poles, which will provide greater resilience in the event of bushfires," Mr Linnie said. "We'll also be replacing or upgrading cross-arms, insulators and conductors along the network." AusNet will also be conducting pre-summer aerial patrols as part of its broader bushfire safety maintenance works. "Crews will be inspecting our 66kV powerlines to ensure the electricity supply across our network remains safe and reliable as we head into summer," Mr Linnie said. Crews began works near Bairnsdale before moving east towards Nowa Nowa and Cann River, with additional works to be completed further east near Gipsy Point, Noorinbee and Noorinbee North. Penalties for escaped burn-offs CFA is urging Victorians to take extra precautions while burning-off ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) to avoid penalties and unnecessary use of emergency services resources. Last year, CFA responded to 819 callouts for escaped burn-offs between January and December in 2023, with 48 per cent (396 incidents) occurring in September, October, and November alone. This concerning trend appears to be ongoing in 2024, with CFA responding to 37 incidents between September 1 and 20. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan says this number is far too high and emphasised the widespread impact escaped burn-offs have. "We are aiming for a significant reduction in escaped burn-off incidents this season as we head towards the FDP," Jason said. "Last year's numbers, especially during Spring, placed an unnecessary strain on CFA crews, neighbouring properties, and the community. "Letting a burn-off escape during the FDP can result in severe penalties, including heavy fines and liability for damages caused." Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing a burn-off to escape during a declared FDP can include fines up to $23,710, 12 months imprisonment, or both. The penalty is doubled if an escape occurs on a Total Fire Ban Day. District 22 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rohan Taylor highlighted the impact of a recent incident in Violet Town. "We were called to a grass and scrub fire in Violet Town just after 1pm. It quickly became clear that it was an escaped burn-off," Rohan said. "We deployed five tankers to control the fire, which burned a relatively large area. It required a significant effort to contain, and while it occurred in cooler weather, the situation could have been far worse under warmer conditions." Rohan stressed that this incident underscores the exact scenario CFA is trying to avoid. The Violet Town incident was not registered online as a burn-off, which added additional challenges for responders. "The most important steps are registering your burn-off, ensuring you have the tools to manage it, and monitoring it closely," Rohan added. "We strongly encourage residents to clean up their properties before the bushfire season, but safety must always come first. "With warmer and drier conditions predicted for this fire season, it's more critical than ever to handle burn-offs responsibly." For more information or to register your burn-off, visit the CFA website. Residents are being warned about burn-offs, with the CFA responding to 819 callouts for escaped burn-offs between January and December last year. • Use tank water to prepare and defend if you choose to stay to protect your property • Do not rely on mains water during a major fire event • We operate emergency water supply points (standpipes) at various locations • The water is drinking quality, the same water that our customers receive in their homes and businesses • Standpipe tokens are available from East Gippsland Water at $4.96 each, which provides 1,000 litres of water. EN25736 1800 671 841 | egwater.vic.gov.au Plan ahead this fire season. EN25826 www.eastgippslandtreeworks.com.au Call us for a free quote: 0408 171 470 QUALIFIED ARBORISTS Providing 5 star service for over 20 years. No job too big or too small | Fully Insured • Lopping and Felling • Wood Chipping • Wood Splitting • Firewood • Mulch Sales • 24/7 Emergency Tree Works • Stumps • Land Clearing
| EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS 6 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 Brigades undertake new fire program Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Orbost Fire Brigades have just taken part in the first steps of the Fire Medical Response (FMR) program, which is being established in strategic locations across the state which can best complement the Ambulance Victoria response. Local volunteers have been trained and equipped to provide life-saving first aid and resuscitation in response to Triple Zero (000) calls in support of Ambulance Victoria. While Ambulance Victoria already delivers some of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the world, patient outcomes can be further improved in areas where a CFA brigade may be able to reach a patient sooner than an ambulance. FMR brigades will be dispatched simultaneously with the nearest emergency ambulances, providing life-saving CPR, defibrillation and support to paramedics. FMR responders have undertaken a multi-day training course, developed and delivered by paramedic educators from Ambulance Victoria, and be equipped with Ambulance Victoria-compatible defibrillators. Prepare your property CFA is urging residents to prepare their properties ahead of the fire danger period, with parts of Victoria facing an early start to fire season. The AFAC seasonal outlook for spring, released last month, predicts an increased fire risk in west and southwest Victoria, following a notably dry autumn and winter. Considering the outlook, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stressed the importance of early preparation this spring. “An earlier start to the fire season means community members need to start preparations now,” Chief Officer Heffernan said. “By removing light and heavy fuels around your home, you’re protecting your property and helping firefighters defend it. “Simple tasks such as clearing gutters, pruning overhanging branches, maintaining grass at a safe height and moving wood piles away from your house or shed can greatly improve your property’s chances of withstanding a bushfire.” As bushfire season approaches, it’s important to clear leaves from gutters. Forty years of rappel This summer, Forest Fire Management Victoria’s helicopter rappel program is celebrating 40 years’ delivering forest firefighters to fight some of the state’s most remote and inaccessible bushfires to control them before they impact communities and the environment. Rappelling uses specialist equipment to transport firefighters from a hovering helicopter to the ground. It means fire crews can be deployed quickly to remote and mountainous locations where there may not be road access or space to land a helicopter. This allows them to bring small fires under control quickly using ‘dry firefighting’ techniques to slow spread until other resources can reach the fires or clear areas to allow helicopters to land. “Forty years of the rappel program is an incredible milestone,” Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman AFSM said. “Rappelling is a critical part of the way we fight fires in remote or difficult terrain, allowing us to stop small fires before they become big fires. “Rappel training is just one of the ways FFMVic is preparing for this year’s fire season. This is a great reminder to the community that they too have a role to play. We encourage all Victorians to take steps to prepare for the summer ahead.” Dry fire techniques include using rakehoes to establish mineral earth breaks and using chainsaws to create fire breaks or improve access to other firefighting resources. Since its establishment in 1985, more than 350 firefighters have taken part in the program. “I’m proud to have been involved in the rappel program over 40 seasons and to see how far it has come,” Senior Aviation Operations Officer, Bryan Rees AFSM said. “Lives, properties, infrastructure and landscapes have undoubtedly been saved by having the ability to put firefighters on the ground so soon after a fire is detected.” “We aim to instill a strong sense of teamwork, discipline and safety in our crews during training. Once rappel crews are on the ground, they are firefighters like any other.” Crews are based at Heyfield and Ovens and can be deployed across the state. When they are not deployed to fires, rappel teams help deliver FFMVic’s land and fire management works, including assessing and treating hazardous trees and clearing tracks. Each year, crews undertake several weeks of training in readiness for the fire season. That training begins this month for both returning and new members across Victoria, including in Melbourne, Ovens, Heyfield and Howqua. To be eligible for the program, new members must have had firefighting experience and a good level of fitness, but abseiling experience is not required. Training starts at the rappel tower at the Fire Equipment Development Centre at Altona, which includes a helicopter mock-up. Once students have demonstrated their competency in rappelling, they progress to a helicopter. Initial rappels take place at about 120 feet, gradually increasing to 300 feet. The training is led by Bryan Rees, DEECA senior aviation operations officer, who has been a part of the rappel program since its start. Forest Fire Management Victoria’s helicopter will celebrate 40 years this summer. eastern vegetati on CONTRACTI NG PREPARE PROPERTY YOUR • Forestry Mulching • Slashing • Spraying • Fire Breaks • Property Clean ups John - 0408 371 839 Liam - 0499 430 701 evcvic@gmail.com EN25641
EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS | 7 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 EN25893
| EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS 8 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 Bairnsdale Fire Brigade held its annual celebration dinner on Saturday, October 19, at the Mitchell River Tavern. More than 60 firefighters and their families attended, all likeminded local volunteers selflessly serving the community. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of service medals to members and firefighter of the year award to Chelsea Beechey. Brigade humour involved the champagne and shovel award to five-year service awardee, Hunter Boyle. Emcee for the evening was brigade member, Rory Smith, who delivered his own style, throwing a little humour around the room to keep dinner guests on their toes as to what he was going to say next. Local CFA commander Don Tomkins addressed the dinner on behalf of CFA Victoria and congratulated the brigade on the past year’s activities. The brigade’s annual report noted it had been successful recruiting five new active firefighters, although a small number of members had retired. The Bairnsdale brigade is one of three brigades in the area that are training members to assist the local ambulance service with some medical emergencies. Over the past 12 months new and improved equipment has been acquired by the brigade as well as specialist equipment for particular emergency situations. Currently the brigade has 25 turnout members with 48 members in total. The brigade attended more than 300 incidents in the past year, varying from false alarms, car crashes, explosions, service calls, rescues, good intent calls and hazardous condition calls. The annual report noted record keeping and administration is becoming more detailed and complicated, a common problem for any country administrator’s reporting to non-productive centralised control bodies in metropolitan Melbourne. Bairnsdale Fire Brigade Captain Aaron Lee with Hunter Boyle, winner of the champagne and shovel award, and Chelsea Beechey, winner of firefighter of the year, at the brigade’s annual celebration dinner on Saturday, October 19, at the Mitchell River Tavern. Bairnsdale Fire Brigade celebration Captain Aaron Lee with brigade service award members: Darren Lang (30 years), Hunter Boyle (five years), Griffin Hill (15 years), Sam McPherson (20 years), Sue Caithness (15 years) and Ashley Mappin (25 years). Presenting the service awards to members was First lieutenant Charles Stansfield who had carefully researched the history of the group to report in detail their service to the brigade.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU5ODU=