The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the announcement that western Victoria will receive 12 out of 45 new 'burn mix' trailers to be built and distributed by the Victorian Coalition Government for use in planned burning operations across Victoria.
"Western Victoria has suffered many bushfires over the past and the allocation of the "burn mix" trailers will go a long way to making the region fire safe," Mr Delahunty said.
'Burn mix' trailers are critical to the planned burning process with each trailer consisting of 10 drip torches, two x 200 litre drums, jerry cans, a spill kit, toolbox, bonding cable and a hand pump allowing crews to decant and mix the diesel petrol solution used in planned burning.
The drip torch is the main tool used for the safe lighting of large areas in the planned burning process – it allows the operator to manage directly how much bush is lit depending on the conditions.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said that the new trailers are worth more than $500,000 and will provide additional assistance to the Victorian Government's planned burns program.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to implementing the 67 recommendations of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, including increasing planned burning across the state.
"In 2010-11 more than 188,000ha of planned burning was completed. This is the largest program completed in more than 20 years. These new trailers will assist us with the planned burns program," Mr Smith said.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment has already built 15 of the new units and they are now ready for use in planned burning operations across Victoria.
It is anticipated that all 45 'burn mix' trailers will be finished, delivered and ready for use by the end of October.
The Victorian Coalition Government's planned burn program helps protect life, property and the environment by reducing fuel levels and maintaining the health of plants and animals.
For more information about upcoming burns and the planned burns program, please visit www.dse.vic.gov.au
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