Pipeline could aid CFA

By Melissa Meehan
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) could have access to water from the Sugarloaf Pipeline to aid their fight against bushfires in times of emergency.
Seymour MP Ben Hardman urged State Water Minister Tim Holding to ensure the CFA had the opportunity to access to water flowing through the Sugarloaf Pipeline when fire threatens surrounding districts, in an adjournment in Parliament earlier this month.
“The ongoing drought and climate increases the likelihood of bushfires in the Seymour electorate,” Mr Hardman told Parliament.
“Along the 70 metre corridor of the pipeline there is very little area with reticulated water.”
He said the sources of water to fight fire were limited and difficult to access.
“An easily accessible off-take would reduce risk for CFA volunteers, who often have to access farm dams, creeks and rivers to refill their tankers,” Mr Hardman said.
He said that areas of farmland between and around Glenburn and Yea were burnt and wildfire tore through the Kinglake National Park, threatening many people’s homes nearby and worrying people in Dixons Creek and Yarra Glen.
“I urge the minister to ensure the opportunity to provide a direct benefit that will help protect the community along the Sugarloaf pipeline by providing CFA with water access to fight bushfires.”
A spokesperson for Melbourne Water said he would look into the possibility of the CFA using water from the pipeline but was at time of print was unable to provide any further information.