Volunteers raise fire access questions with CFA chiefs

WOOSANG farmers want the Country Fire Authority to investigate their concerns about access to the VNI West transmission path to fight fires.

The brigade’s annual meeting last week discussed limitations that volunteers could face if there was a fire along the 500 kiloVolt transmission line proposed to be strung from 80-metre tall poles between Bulgana and Kerang.

First lieutenant Ian Gould said he had raised concerns with district officers at the meeting.

Mr Gould said: “Volunteer brigades and volunteers are already under pressure with volunteer numbers.

“The transmission lines will only increase fire risk and risk the safety of volunteers,” he said.

Australian Energy Market Operator and its new company Transmission Company Victoria is advertising fire safety will be among information booths when the next round of community consultation starts in Boort next month.

TCV says managing the risks posed by bushfires is an important consideration in both project planning and design, and

Banners flying No Go message

THE first batch of No Go AEMO banners is expected to sell out this week.

Young farmers from the Wedderburn and St Arnaud districts had 100 of the banners printed, raising funds for a fighting fund against the proposed transmission line towers.

One of the organisers, Stacey Keller, said at the weekend just a handful of banners remained to be sold.

Farmers and landowners have been placing banners on roadside fences along the Calder Highway, at Mysia, Boort and other towns in the region.

in eventual operation by a network service provider.

“TCV will work with the experts like CFA and Government authorities such as ESV (Energy Safe Victoria) as the VNI West project develops to ensure bushfire risk is addressed, and community questions answered.

“Comprehensive studies will be conducted as part of the permitting and approvals process, which will include fire risk assessment.

“We will be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of ESV that the design of the new transmission line minimises hazards and risks to the safety of people and property and bushfire danger as far as practicable as required by legislation.”

TCV says terminal stations and transmission lines are remotely operated so that they can be shut down when required

The CFA is not listed on AEMO’s website as having made a submission to consultation before release of the Option 5A preferred route last month.

Mr Gould said: “Chances are that construction and operation of the transmission line will increase the chance of fire.”

He said AEMO had failed to listen to alternatives put forward before the government-owned energy operator made a change of route in Option 5.

“Nuclear has been proven to be a cheaper and better option overseas,” he said.

The CFA was contacted for comment on firefighting access plans.

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Sunday – Open Midday

All Day Pizza Menu Close 11.00pm