Premier

Barwon Downs Fire Base Nearing Completion

31 May 2017

Firefighters in the Otways will soon move into a new state-of-the-art complex, as construction works on the Forest Fire Management Victoria base at Barwon Downs near completion.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $7.2 million in the project, which will replace outdated facilities over three sites.

The new, modern facilities will boost Forest Fire Management Victoria’s capacity to protect local communities from bushfires and other emergencies.

A range of environmental initiatives have been included in the design, with solar panels, a solar hot water system and double glazed windows.

The upgrades are expected in the coming weeks, and the site will be staffed and operational by late June.

The new complex will have a Level 2 Incident Control Centre and house more than 20 Forest Fire Management personnel.

From the Barwon Downs base, Forest Fire Management Victoria will provide rapid responses to bushfires and other emergencies in the Otway District.

The strategic location of the new base ensures that crews are in a strong position to respond to bushfires in the high-risk eastern edge of the Otways.

In addition to the main offices, facilities at the site include a refuelling area, vehicle shed, tanker shed, trailer storage, workshop, fire store, dangerous goods store and vehicle wash bay.

Rainwater will be harvested and treated to supply all water requirements on site, from vehicle washing to drinking water.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This new complex is an important investment in the future of the Otways and will ensure a rapid response to local emergencies.”

“This project has created jobs across the region, with Geelong building company Rendine Constructions employing 25 people on site and using tradies and suppliers from across the region to build this state-of-the-art facilities.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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