Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Local bushfire preparedness and community resilience have received a significant boost with the delivery of new specialist firefighting equipment, funded through the Alcoa Bushfire Ready Fund.
The project, led by Portland Fire Brigade Captain Ian Hamley, has equipped local volunteer brigades with specialist resources designed to improve bushfire and non structure fire response in areas where conventional firefighting methods are not possible.
The new capability supports safer, more effective operations in remote, steep, environmentally sensitive and culturally significant locations.
The equipment purchased through the project includes 20 lengths of percolating bushfire hose, 10 impact sprinklers, a 7,500-litre collar tank, and an inline booster pump. Together, this equipment allows extended hose lays well beyond vehicle access, while also supporting sprinkler based asset protection in situations where direct firefighting access is limited.
Ian Hamley said the funding had delivered a meaningful and practical improvement to local firefighting capability.
“This project was about addressing real operational gaps we face during bushfire response,” Ian said.
“The new equipment allows our volunteers to safely get water where it’s needed most — into inaccessible terrain and sensitive areas — while also providing improved options for asset protection using impact sprinklers.
”Volunteer training formed a key part of the project, with members of local brigades undertaking hands on instruction in the safe and effective deployment of the new equipment, including hose lay construction, water supply management, and sprinkler system setup.”
Ian said ongoing training would remain a focus to ensure the equipment continues to deliver long-term benefits.
“Investing in equipment is only part of the solution,” he said. “Ensuring volunteers are trained, confident and ready to deploy it safely means this capability will keep delivering value well into the future.”
The project aligns strongly with the Alcoa Bushfire Ready Fund’s focus on improving bushfire preparedness, strengthening community resilience, and supporting sustainable, community led initiatives.
The addition of extended hose lays, portable water supply and impact sprinkler capability allows fires to be managed effectively while minimising environmental disturbance and protecting culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.
Importantly, it also improves volunteer safety by reducing reliance on vehicle access and heavy machinery in hazardous conditions.
This investment ensures the community is better prepared for future bushfire seasons and highlights the value of partnerships between industry, volunteers and emergency services.
| Submitted by | Ian Hamley |
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