G-MW has comprehensive fire prevention programs
developed in partnership with local Councils and CFAs, and in place at all
storages under G-MW's management.
"The plans will reduce the risk of fire - but no
plan can ever eliminate the risk and for this reason G-MW continues to remind
the community of the need to be very careful in their use of equipment such as
angle grinders, chainsaws and other heavy machinery," said Mr Richardson, G-MW Manager
Dams.
With drought exposing
greater areas of the lake beds at G-MW's storages the potential for weeds and
pests has increased. Large exposed lake bed areas combined with spring rains
have also encouraged significant grass growth in some locations.
"We are experiencing
similar issues at several of our 17 storages across Northern Victoria and our weed and pest
management programs have stepped up in response. However not all the plant
growth are weeds and the return of vegetation often assists with
protection of water quality and supports a broad range of fauna, including fish
when water returns to the lakes," said Mr Richardson.
At Lake Mokoan G-MW has increased
its weed and pest management programs over at least the past 4 years.
"This has included
expanding the area lake bed available for grazing leases, increasing weed
spraying and undertaking fox baiting in partnership with DPI and local
landholders. We have also worked closely with local councils and the CFA to
develop appropriate fire prevention programs," explained Mr Richardson.
Mr Richardson added that
lake bed areas often do not lend themselves to grazing or access for slashing
activities and in such cases fire risk reduction relies largely on provision of
improved access and provision of buffer areas around the lake perimeter.
The recently completed Lake
Mokoan Diverters pipeline scheme has included hydrants, storage tanks and an
operational storage to provide readily available sources water for helicopters
and fire tankers. These facilities, combined with a network of lake bed access
tracks have allowed the local CFA brigades to provide a quick and effective
response to this recent fire.
Lake Mokoan is now empty and is no
longer supporting water supply into the Broken System, but G-MW remains
responsible for management of the lake bed and surrounds, until it transfers to
the Crown in the next few months as part of the decommissioning program.
"We will review yesterday's
events and make sure we act on any opportunities to improve fire prevention, we
will also ensure there findings are available to the Winton Wetlands Management
Committee to inform its future fire prevention planning," said Mr Richardson.
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ENDS -
Media Contact: Linda
Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Stakeholder Relations Manager
Telephone: 0412 183 792 and 5833 5776