South East forest industry welcomes $1.1 million fire safety boost

South East forestry industry leaders have welcomed a $1.1 million State Government investment to help the early detection of fires in the region.

Timberlink forestry plantation near Tarpeena. Picture: Timberlink

The South East will be better protected from bushfires thanks to a two-year, $1.1 million state government investment in surveillance and prevention in the region’s forests.

New fire detection technology and the upgrade of a network of fire-spotting towers will be at the centre of the fire prevention plan across the state’s largest forestry region.

The announcement has been welcomed by local industry leaders, including the Green Triangle Fire Alliance.

The alliance has been pivotal in fire management initiatives including a recent hi-tech camera trial at The Bluff near Mount Gambier.

Green Triangle Fire Alliance chair Andrew Matheson with Laurie Hein (seated) from Green Triangle Forest Products. Picture: Green Triangle Fire Alliance

Now the technology with also be installed at a second fire tower south of Penola by ForestrySA and eventually a network of cameras could use artificial intelligence to increase the accuracy of detection.

Green Triangle Fire Alliance chair Andrew Matheson said early detection combined with swift targeted suppression was crucial to limit the impact of fire.

“This new technology offers advanced early fire detection, the Fire Alliance is keen to explore further” Mr Matheson said.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the South Australian Government in developing a plan aimed at enhancing fire management across the landscape, to protect valuable assets and ultimately for the safety of our community.”

South Australian Forest Products Association chief executive Nathan Paine said the partnership between government and industry was welcome news.

Minister Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham Picture: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

“This investment is a significant recognition of the importance of fire surveillance and prevention in an effort to avoid having to manage the recovery of communities after a fire as has been demonstrated in the wake of the fires earlier this year which has had a significant and ongoing impact on the communities and economy,” Mr Paine said.

Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said how the funding would focus on community safety and harnessing groundbreaking technology.

“This $1.1 million Marshall Liberal Government investment will see the tower network staffed and maintenance work continue to address issues with some of the ageing tower infrastructure,” Mr Basham said.

“We are ensuring the forests are watched over this season to support public safety,

“The government will sit down with the forest industry to discuss and agree on the most effective spend, including consideration of new and emerging technologies for fire risk mitigation.”