​More than 334,000 hectares of forest plantations in the Green Triangle will soon be better protected by water bombers from bushfire, with a new 144kL water tank and dual diesel/electric water pump being installed at Mount Gambier Regional Airport.


Co-funded by more than $415,000 from the Federal Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund and Grant District Council, the new aerial firefighting assets will improve the ability of fire authorities to slow the progress of bushfires and better protect communities spanning from Kingston to Warrnambool.


Significant preparatory work to replace the existing 1960s built aerial waterbombing infrastructure has been completed with the installation of the new tank and pump expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.


Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the Green Triangle Region is an important part of Australia’s forestry and forest products industry, with this investment core to protecting the pine and blue gum plantations across South Australia’s Limestone Coast and western districts of Victoria


“Modernising and increasing water access for aerial firefighting means the region is better equipped to combat bushfires, not only protecting the forestry plantations but also protecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Forestry workers across the region,” Senator McAllister said.


South Australian Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan said the upgraded asset will be a critical resource to assist firefighting efforts in the South East, protecting communities and timber resources.


“The Green Triangle is one of the state’s most productive sectors and the support provided through the Disaster Ready Fund will ensure improved responses to those living and working in the region,” Minister Cregan said.


Grant District Mayor Kylie Boston said the first response to fire is often by air from aircraft stationed at the Mount Gambier Airport.


“Council, alongside the Limestone Coast Zone Emergency Management Committee, identified that bushfires in our region without aerial waterbombing assistance are an extreme risk,” Mayor Boston said.


“This project acts as a key tool for fire mitigation and ensures that aerial waterbombing efforts will be available for many decades to come protecting our communities and industry.”