A new state-wide registry of heavy plant — including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, tractors, bulk water tankers and motor graders — will allow local RFS brigades to call upon local resources to help battle fires.
It will also allow brigades to call on resources from neighbouring districts if required, which was not previously possible without a register.
Owner/operators who register their plant will be able to negotiate their remuneration with the RFS, in addition to receiving preliminary fire safety training.
RFS Federation Zone Commander Greyd’n Davis said the previous system, which relied heavily on word of mouth, could often result in local shortages and difficulty compensating operators.
‘‘We had 11 operators last year and when the Green Valley fires happened, eight got pulled out further north.
‘‘And of course Victoria’s fires meant they were looking for people as well.
‘‘Numbers got thin.’’
During the shortage, many locals reached out to volunteer their vehicles, but it was too late.
‘‘Like all paperwork it takes longer to process than you think it will,’’ Commander Davis said.
‘‘That’s why we’re encouraging people to get on to it early this year, so that come fire season we’ll be ready’’.
The new system has already been effective in registering more operators, according to Commander Davis, who said there’s been ‘‘a lot more interest’’ since the campaign went live.
‘‘If that interest continues, that’s a win for us’’.
If you own heavy machinery that may be useful to the RFS this fire season, contact the Southern Border Fire Control Centre on (02) 6051 1511 to be added to the register and for more information.
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