November 13, 2020
Tanks for the generosity Lara CFA has raised $148,000 for a new light tanker a year earlier than expected thanks to “astounding” community support, according to brigade captain Roger Buckle. “We expected it to take 12 to 18 months and we’ve achieved it in less than five,” he told the Independent this week. “It was a continuous flow from the kind and generous people of Lara – every day you would see small donations come in.” Lara District Community Bank and Bisinella Developments contributed $50,000 and $25,000 respectively, while local businesses, groups and individuals donated the rest. “We can’t mention everyone, but our sincere thanks to every person and group who donated,” Mr Buckle said. A shortage of components due to COVID-19 has caused a delay in the build of the ultra-light tanker, now due for delivery in mid-2021. An analysis of fire risk in Lara determined a need for a manoeuvrable vehicle able fight blazes in areas not accessible to larger tankers.
Grace Tuisku, Gary Bascomb and Marcus Collard. (Louisa Jones) 220634_06
Luke Voogt
Avalon ready for take-off By Luke Voogt Avalon Airport is ready for flights to the Gold Coast and Adelaide on December 18, according to chief executive Justin Giddings. “If needed, we could have a flight this afternoon,” he said yesterday. “We just need to turn the lights on, call up the security company to staff our security equipment and then we’d be ready to welcome passengers. “It’s more about the availability of aircraft, and getting flight crew, engineers and other staff re-certified.” Mr Giddings yesterday urged the Queensland
and South Australian governments to announce dates for the reopening of their borders with Victoria. “If the Queensland government is expecting people to come up, they need to make that call immediately,” he said. “I want them to make a decision this week.” This would give airlines time to prepare, and allow families to save, book leave and research their itinerary, Mr Giddings said. “People don’t usually just go out and buy a Queensland ticket and then go the next day. People are making decisions now on whether to go to Queensland over the Christmas period.
“A lot of families will want the certainty of being able to fly before they book.” Mr Giddings’ call comes as Victoria recorded its 13th consecutive day with no new COVID-19 cases. “The Victorian government has done a great job in almost eliminating the virus and it’s time to start rewarding people by letting them fly,” he said. Victoria now has just three active cases compared to eight in Queensland, although none of the latter figure resulted from community transmission. Queensland chief health officer Jeannette Young has foreshadowed the state could
reopen to Victorians as early as December 1, but the state’s government had yet to make an announcement when the Independent went to press yesterday. With destinations such as Bali off-limits, Mr Giddings said there was great demand in Geelong for travel to the Gold Coast over the holiday period. “It’s an incredible part of the world.” The Independent understands Jetstar is assessing the possibility of operating flights from Avalon Airport to the Gold Coast and Adelaide from December 18. ■ Avalon
to Sydney flights resume: Page 3
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