Great Southern volunteer firefighting brigades have been armed with state-of-the-art firefighting appliances to better protect the iconic region.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson and Department of Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters travelled to the Great Southern to officially hand over the keys to the Wellstead and Forest Hill Bush Fire Brigades.
Both received a new Isuzu 4.4 broadacre tanker, the primary firefighting appliance for regional volunteer brigades that typically respond to bushfires and features all-terrain capabilities.
The State Government’s operational fleet has recently been redesigned with volunteer input to ensure each appliance better meets their operational needs and is suited to local conditions and terrain.
As a result, the 4.4 broadacre tanker now boasts new and improved safety features, greater off-road handling and more efficient firefighting capabilities.
Major blazes in Denmark, Jerramungup and Bremer Bay in February 2022 were among more than 250 bushfires reported in the Great Southern region during the current bushfire season.
Wellstead and Forest Hill Bush Fire Brigades have collectively served their communities for more than 100 years, established in 1955 and 1965 respectively.
The Great Southern is home to more than 30 per cent of the State’s dedicated volunteer firefighters.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The Great Southern is a beautiful yet bushfire-prone region and it’s important we continue to provide the very best equipment to those on the frontline, protecting lives, livelihoods and homes.
“These new appliances are part of the McGowan Government’s $140 million investment to deliver state-of-the-art emergency services equipment to our dedicated volunteers across WA.
“These new 4.4 broadacres will serve the men and women of Wellstead and Forrest Hill Bush Fire Brigades for many years to come and will play a vital role in keeping their communities safe.”
