The Green Triangle's fire observation towers are set to be upgraded, including a new tower near Penola. This delivers on a key State Government election commitment to update fire towers with new technologies.
Upgrade works totalling over $2 million are set to begin shortly and will be completed in time for the next bushfire season, which starts in November.
The funding ensures ongoing protection of the Green Triangle's forestry assets and communities as the transition to new fire detection technologies continues.
With work on the Penola North tower due to commence soon, the project will also provide a landscape level fire detection program, while ensuring existing fire towers remain operational during the transition to new systems.
The 7 towers that are set to be upgraded are:
- Penola North
- Mount Burr
- Mount Edward
- Furner
- The Bluff
- Comaum
- Mount Benson.
The funding includes $1 million to the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA), comprising of all major forest plantation growers in the region, to implement new technologies that improve the ability to detect dangerous fires early.
Technology trials, including satellite detection and remote operated cameras, have occurred at The Bluff, Penola North and Mt Burr. GTFA is now in the process of selecting a contractor for new automated detection systems.
A full camera-based fire detection system across the lower South East of the state is expected to be installed in time for the 2023-24 fire season.