The final steps towards the completion of the $2.346m upgrade of the Green Triangle’s fire tower network are in progress, with construction under way on a new tower for Penola North.
The new tower, being constructed in collaboration with the Green Triangle Fire Alliance and OneFortyOne Plantations, is part of the State Government’s election commitment to provide a landscape level fire detection program.
Local South East company Whitty Engineering has been engaged to construct the fire tower.
The new Penola North tower follows upgrade works and repairs at Comaum, Mount Burr, Mount Edward, Furner and Mount Benson.
Installation of the tower is expected to be finalised later this year.
As part of the upgrade program a new AI powered bushfire detection and monitoring system has been installed in the Green Triangle with detection cameras installed at Comaum, Mount Benson, The Bluff, Furner, Mount Burr, Carpenter Rocks and Lucindale South.
The system, which came into operation in the Green Triangle during the 2023-24 fire danger season, is Australia’s first fully integrated bushfire detection platform utilising satellite technology and Ultra HD 360-degree panoramic cameras and aimed at improving the early detection of fires.
The completion of the works program will enhance a landscape level fire detection system, ensuring ongoing protection of the Green Triangle’s forestry assets and communities.
The new fire tower at Penola North will be located at Tower Road and is set to be installed for the upcoming bushfire season this year in the Lower South East.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven said the Green Triangle plantation forest region was one of the powerhouses of the Australian forest and forest products industry, with the South Australian portion of the region contributing more than $860m to South Australia’s gross state product annually.
“With the new Penola North fire tower now under construction, it will enhance the best possible fire management system for the South East,” Minister Scriven said.
“Fire does not recognise boundaries so in working with industry to meet this election commitment it has been essential that we not only protect the region’s forest estate but also the broader community.
“As we move towards the 2024-25 Fire Danger Season, having the new Penola North tower in place will provide a further boost to an already extensive detection system network.
Green Triangle Forests OneFortyOne general manager Deon Kriek welcomed the upgrading.
“Green Triangle Forest growers, including OneFortyOne, are absolutely committed to investing in fire prevention, detection, and management,” he said.
“We’re grateful for the South Australian Government’s contribution and recognition for how crucial fire detection is.
“The government’s support highlights just how important fire towers and cameras are in spotting fires early, which has benefits for our community and the environment.
“Catching fires early means we can act fast, reduce damage, and keep everyone safer. This proactive approach not only saves lives and property but also helps protect our natural resources, including the forests.
“We’re looking forward to continued collaboration between industry and government to ensure a safer and more resilient future for everyone.
