A $230,000 upgrade to Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Ovens helibase will enable it to manage up to 10 water-bombing aircraft and support crews.
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The upgrade includes two new concrete helipads and an all-weather access road, according to FFM Victoria District Manager Jarrod Hayse.
“The ability to cater for helicopters and their support crews during emergency events is a significant benefit to the communities in the Alpine region,” Mr Hayse said. The base had been crucial during emergency situations including October 2016 floods and annual bushfire season.
“Two helicopters are permanently based at Ovens during the bushfire season for rappel firefighting, water bombing and aerial observation,” he said.
“Another huge benefit is the new portable fuel tanks, which means refuelling no longer involves the manual handling of fuel drums.”
