- Two 20,000-litre water tanks gifted to Albany and Denmark volunteer bushfire brigades to improve bushfire preparedness
- Water Corporation donation follows delivery of $25 million Albany to Denmark Pipeline
Volunteer firefighters in the Great Southern will be better equipped to respond to bushfire threats thanks to two 20,000-litre steel water tanks donated by Water Corporation.
Announced by Water Minister Simone McGurk, the new tanks were gifted to Redmond Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in the City of Albany and Nornalup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in the Shire of Denmark to improve regional bushfire response and preparedness activities.
Additional water storage in country areas is increasingly important as climate change increases the risk of bushfires, like those in the Great Southern during February 2022.
The donation also recognises the significant support from the City of Albany, Shire of Denmark, local residents and businesses to the delivery of Water Corporation's $25 million Albany to Denmark Pipeline.
The 43 km pipeline connects Denmark to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme and was built in response to declining rainfall in the region. Around 200 people were employed on the project, with 94 per cent from the Great Southern.
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"Volunteer firefighters play a critical role in protecting communities from bushfire threats, particularly in regional areas where access to hydrants and water storage can be limited.
"By providing additional water storage for local brigades, crews can reduce the time needed to refill firefighting trucks, allowing them to respond faster and better protect lives and property.
"The donation recognises the support from the Albany and Denmark communities during the delivery of the water pipeline, which has helped secure Denmark's water future."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"The McGowan Government's Albany to Denmark Pipeline was a major investment in the region, delivered using a number of local contractors.
"It's great to see the community's support recognised through a donation that enhances Redmond Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade's incident response, helping to keep locals safe."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"I'm pleased that we have been able to secure an additional 20,000-litre water tank for the Nornalup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
"Our volunteers play such an important role in managing and responding to bushfire risk. Having additional water storage available to local firefighters will help support the important work they do for our community."
