Geelong Indy - 17th December 2021

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December 17, 2021

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Ready for an emergency Emergency responders will be more prepared than ever should a bushfire threaten the Surf Coast Shire after this week using new cutting-edge technology to train their response. More than 50 participants from government agencies including the SES, Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria, the shire and the health department took part in the Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and CFA-run training at the Geelong Incident Control Centre. The training used new software developed by the CSIRO’s Data61 and RMIT which combined fire spread modelling, traffic data and predictions of human behaviour to test for mock bushfire scenarios. “Summer evacuations along the Great Ocean Road pose a significant challenge for emergency services due to increased visitation, but we’re always prepared for that possibility,” CFA south west regional commander Peter Creak said. “This exercise is part of extensive preparation to ensure the region is ready for the fire season.” Ellen Harper, Peter Creak, Chris Gore and Michael Harper; Dale Antonysen and Dave Stephens (above); Mark Sinkinson (right).

(Louisa Jones) 261919

$1 billion defence deal By Ash Bolt The federal government has signed a $1 billion defence contract that will see military machinery built in Geelong. Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced the signing of a deal with Korean company Hanwha Defense Australia to supply self-propelled howitzers, similar to tanks, for the army at a facility based in Geelong. “We are partnering with Hanwha to create an Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in the Geelong region, which will establish a further strategic defence industry hub and future export opportunities for Australian

businesses,” Mr Morrison said. “This contract will create a minimum of 300 jobs spread across facility construction, acquisition and maintenance, as well as generating ongoing support opportunities for Australian industry until the late 2040s. The announcement came after the state government in January signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha to support the establishment of its manufacturing operations in the state. Victorian Industry Support and Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said it was a boon for the state’s recovery, with benefits expected to flow to local businesses across the supply chain.

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“Victoria is the manufacturing state and this project will further boost our capabilities, creating hundreds of jobs and delivering benefits across the supply chain,” he said. Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the initial contract would see 30 self-propelled howitzers, 15 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles and weapon-locating radars, which are collectively referred to the ‘Huntsman’ family of vehicles. “The prime ability of the new vehicles is to fire and move quickly, avoiding enemy counter-attack. This project will mean a significant increase in the level of firepower and security for Australian artillery capability.”

The announcement came as the council voted to sign a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Changwon City, where Hanwha is based, to form a partnership-focused trade, education and cultural exchange. “This initiative intends to support the community aspiration: a destination that attracts local and international visitors; a prosperous economy that supports jobs and education opportunities; and a creative and diverse culture,” councillor Peter Murrihy said. “This is an exciting opportunity that has the potential to lead to many positive outcomes for organisations and institutions in Greater Geelong.”

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